Srinagar, April 25 – In a strong display of unity following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, major political parties in Jammu and Kashmir came together on Thursday to condemn the incident and support the central government’s immediate response. Convened by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the all-party meeting at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre lasted over three hours and culminated in a unanimously adopted resolution expressing collective grief, solidarity, and resolve.
The attack, which took place on Tuesday in Baisaran, a serene highland above the Pahalgam town in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, left 25 tourists and a local resident dead. According to official sources, the victims were caught in a sudden assault by heavily armed militants who emerged from dense forest cover. The attack has sent shockwaves across the region, particularly as it occurred in an area considered relatively peaceful and known for its popularity among domestic tourists.
In the resolution, read out by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the conclusion of the meeting, the parties collectively expressed “deep shock and anguish” at the “barbaric act” and underlined their shared determination to bring the culprits to justice. “Such cowardly acts of brutality against peaceful citizens,” the statement reads, “have no place in society and are a direct assault on the values of Kashmiriyat and the idea of India.”
Support for Central Measures
A central part of the resolution was the endorsement of the steps announced by the Union Government on Wednesday. These include the deployment of additional paramilitary forces to secure vulnerable tourist zones, intensified intelligence coordination among agencies, and fast-tracking security audits of key destinations across the Kashmir Valley.
All participating parties pledged to support these measures and to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies. “In doing so, we affirm that no act of terror can ever weaken our resolve or extinguish our indomitable spirit,” the resolution stated.
The show of unity extended across ideological lines, with participation from the National Conference, Indian National Congress, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), People’s Conference, Awami Ittehad Party, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Protecting Kashmiri Residents Nationwide
A significant section of the resolution was devoted to the concerns around the safety of Kashmiri students and professionals residing outside the Union Territory. The leaders urged governments across the country to “come forward with an unwavering commitment to protect individuals who find themselves far from home.”
This appeal comes amid reports of harassment and intimidation faced by Kashmiri youth in some parts of India following the attack. Several political leaders, including J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra, stressed the need to separate acts of terrorism from the people of Kashmir. “This matter concerns the entire nation,” Karra noted, “and must be addressed with collective wisdom, not with suspicion or hate.”
Ground Reaction and People’s Response
The resolution also acknowledged the widespread civilian response across the Valley, with many towns and villages observing spontaneous shutdowns and peaceful demonstrations in solidarity with the victims. In Srinagar and beyond, thousands of citizens took part in vigils and processions, sending what leaders described as a “clear message” of unity and peace.
“The people of Kashmir have risen above grief to show the country what real unity and resilience look like,” said PDP leader Mehboob Beig. He added that these peaceful displays of solidarity are proof that the people of the Valley reject violence and stand by the principles of communal harmony and coexistence.
BJP MLA R S Pathania echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “all the political parties are united against terrorism despite ideological differences.” This sentiment was shared by People’s Conference chairman Sajad Lone, who described the meeting’s atmosphere as sombre yet focused, with all leaders “on the same page.”
Among those killed in the attack was Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony handler from the Pahalgam region, who reportedly tried to confront one of the terrorists during the attack. His efforts, though ultimately fatal, were acknowledged in the resolution, which hailed his “bravery and sacrifice.” Shah had been ferrying tourists through the meadow when the shooting began and tried to shield a group from harm.
Shah’s death has become a symbol of local resistance to terror. His story has resonated widely in Kashmir, where such acts of defiance are rare and risky, given the volatile environment. His family has received condolences from several quarters, and the government is said to be considering financial assistance and a government job for a family member.
The Political Undertone
While the unity was palpable, the meeting was not entirely devoid of political undertones. Sources said that while no disagreements surfaced publicly, some parties stressed the need for the Centre to engage with all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir in order to create a sustainable counter-terrorism strategy.
DPAP leader and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was reported to have suggested that more inclusive political dialogue was essential to restore long-term peace in the Valley. His statement, though brief, was seen as a reminder that security responses alone may not be sufficient.
M Y Tarigami of the CPI(M) expressed concern over the shrinking democratic space and urged both the state and central governments to protect civil liberties while pursuing counter-terrorism operations. “We must not allow terror to dictate the terms of governance or democracy,” he reportedly said during the closed-door meeting.
Tourism Industry Concerns
The timing of the attack has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s reviving tourism sector, which had shown strong recovery signs over the past year. Industry stakeholders fear cancellations and a drop in tourist arrivals in the coming weeks, especially with the peak season approaching.
Tourism department officials are coordinating with security agencies to enhance safety protocols around major sites. Several stakeholders have called for reassurance campaigns to restore confidence among travelers and prevent further economic disruption in areas heavily dependent on tourism.
Meanwhile, hoteliers and travel operators have expressed appreciation for the locals who helped tourists during and after the attack, offering shelter, food, and medical aid.
Security Landscape Under Scrutiny
Security experts have pointed out that the attack signifies a shift in tactics by terror outfits operating in the region. Instead of targeting security personnel or infrastructure, the attackers deliberately chose a soft civilian target, aiming to instill fear among visitors and dent Kashmir’s image as a safe destination.
Intelligence officials are examining the possibility of foreign militant involvement, given the precision and coordination of the attack. A high-level probe has been initiated, with both state and national agencies involved.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered a review of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for protecting tourists and other soft targets in Jammu and Kashmir. Early assessments suggest that intelligence lapses and inadequate local surveillance may have contributed to the success of the attack.
The unified response from J&K’s political spectrum has come as a rare but crucial moment of convergence in a region often marked by division. As calls for justice and accountability continue to echo, the hope is that the incident will serve as a turning point in shaping a more collaborative and secure future for the region.
The events surrounding the Pahalgam attack have highlighted both the vulnerability and resilience of Jammu and Kashmir. The consensus displayed by its political leaders signals a determined stance against terror. While challenges remain on the ground—from restoring confidence in tourism to safeguarding Kashmiri citizens nationwide—the message from Srinagar is clear: the Valley will not be cowed by violence.
As investigations proceed and new security frameworks are implemented, the coming weeks will be critical in demonstrating whether this newfound political unity can translate into sustained action and tangible outcomes for a region long beset by conflict.
