Not In My Name: CM Omar Abdullah Says Kashmiris United Against Pahalgam Attack

SRINAGAR (ANI) — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on April 28 strongly condemned the recent militant attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, saying he was witnessing, for the first time in 26 years, people across the region united in denouncing such violence.

“I have never seen people come out to protest an attack like this. People said, ‘Not in my name,'” Abdullah said during a special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. “This incident has affected the entire country. We have seen many attacks in the past, but an attack of such a large scale hasn’t occurred in Baisaran for 21 years.”

Visibly emotional, Abdullah expressed deep remorse. “As hosts, it was our duty to ensure tourists returned safely. I do not have the words to apologise to the families of those who died — the children who lost their father, the wife who lost her husband days after marriage. They asked, ‘What was our fault?'”

Addressing those responsible for the attack, Abdullah said, “Whoever did this claims it was for us. But did we approve it? Did we ask for it? We completely reject this violence.”

Abdullah stressed that militancy cannot be defeated by force alone. “Guns can control militancy, not end it. True victory over terrorism will come when the people are with us. And for the first time, I feel the people are coming together to stand against it.”

Refusing to politicize the tragedy, Abdullah said he would not use the incident to demand statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. “After Pahalgam, with what face can I ask for statehood? Meri kya itni sasti siyasat hai? It would be shameful to use the deaths of 26 innocent people for political bargaining.”

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam attack, describing it as an assault on the values of Kashmiriyat, the Constitution, and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony. The Assembly also expressed full solidarity with the victims and their families before adjourning sine die.

Abdullah cautioned the Indian government against actions that could alienate Kashmiris, especially as residents have staged rare protests, including candlelight demonstrations and a symbolic shutdown, against the killings.

However, tensions remain high following the crackdown on militants, including the demolition of homes belonging to suspected militants’ families. On April 28, Rifat Sheikh stood next to the ruins of her kitchen, assessing damage she said was caused by explosives used by police. Authorities claim her brother, Asif Sheikh, is associated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, accused of involvement in the April 22 attack.”We don’t know where he is or what he’s doing,” Sheikh said. “Why are we being punished for what they claim he has done? This is provocation, but I pray people remain calm.” (with inputs from Reuters)