In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a message that resonated deeply across the nation. Rather than using the horrific event as a platform to push for the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah drew a clear line in the sand, stating unequivocally that he would not exploit the tragedy for political gain. His words were both a reflection of his leadership and a statement of his commitment to the victims, their families, and the state’s collective sense of unity.
Omar Abdullah’s Resounding Condemnation of the Attack
On April 22, 2025, terrorists unleashed an attack in Pahalgam, resulting in the death of 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator. This tragic incident left the region in shock and mourning. Speaking during a special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Abdullah’s first priority was to condemn the attack and extend heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families.
In a heartfelt speech, Omar Abdullah emphasized the grief that had consumed the entire country. “From north to south, east to west, Arunachal to Gujarat, Jammu to Kashmir to Kerala, the whole country has come in the throes of this attack,” he said. His words reflected the national impact of the tragedy, demonstrating that the loss was not just that of Jammu and Kashmir, but of India as a whole.
A Politician’s Moral Compass: “Shame on Me If…”
Amidst the waves of political rhetoric that often follow such devastating events, Omar Abdullah made it clear that he would not capitalize on the situation to advance his political agenda. “How can I use the Pahalgam tragedy to ask the Centre for statehood? Is my politics so cheap?” he questioned, a powerful rebuke to those who may have sought to use the event for political leverage.
By distancing himself from the statehood debate, Abdullah showed a maturity that transcended typical political maneuvering. He said, “At this point, no politics, no business rules, no statehood. This time is only for the strong condemnation of this attack and heartfelt support for the victims.” His declaration was a firm stance on the ethics of leadership, reinforcing that the human cost of terrorism should never be used as a bargaining chip in political discourse.
The Heartbreaking Personal Reflections
The Chief Minister did not shy away from taking personal responsibility for the attack’s tragic consequences, even though Jammu and Kashmir’s security lies outside the purview of the elected government. As tourism minister and the host to the victims, Abdullah expressed his deep regret, “As a host, it was my responsibility to ensure their safe return. I could not. I had no words to apologize.”
He described the painful conversations with the families of the victims, noting the heart-wrenching moments when children had witnessed their fathers’ bloodied bodies, and a newly married widow was left to cope with the brutal loss of her husband. “They asked us what their mistake was; they came to Kashmir for the first time and would pay for that holiday lifelong.” These personal accounts captured the profound emotional weight that the Chief Minister carried with him.
The Call for Solidarity and Unity in the Face of Terrorism
In his speech, Abdullah called for unity in the face of the brutality of terrorism. He condemned the perpetrators of the attack, asking, “Did we ask for this? Did we say that these 26 people should be sent back in coffins in our name?” His words aimed to make it clear that no one in Kashmir stood behind such actions. The attack was a betrayal of the region’s values, he emphasized, underscoring that it was an assault on the very fabric of Kashmiriyat, the region’s cultural identity of peace, tolerance, and unity.
Omar Abdullah pointed to the widespread protests that erupted across Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the attack, marking a shift in the region’s response to terrorism. For the first time in over two decades, people from every town and village, from Kathua to Kupwara, took to the streets in protest, shouting “Not in my name.” This, according to Abdullah, was a turning point, a sign that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were united against terrorism and the forces that seek to divide them.
The Broader Context: The Call for Statehood
While Omar Abdullah’s powerful speech sought to deflect political gain from the tragedy, his party, the National Conference (NC), has long advocated for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, which was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019. The revocation of Article 370 had a profound impact on the region’s political landscape, sparking debates about the region’s autonomy and status within India.
Despite his firm stance against using the tragedy for political purposes, Abdullah reiterated that the issue of statehood remained crucial. “We have spoken about statehood earlier and will do so in the future,” he said. However, at this moment of national mourning, he refused to let statehood overshadow the need for solidarity and compassion in the face of such a grave tragedy.
A Defining Moment for Leadership
Omar Abdullah’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack served as a powerful reminder of the moral responsibilities that leaders bear, especially in the aftermath of violence. His refusal to politicize the tragedy, coupled with his emotional reflection on the victims, underscored his maturity as a leader and his commitment to peace.
By prioritizing the condemnation of terrorism, expressing his deep empathy for the victims, and highlighting the unity of the people of Kashmir, Abdullah set an example for how political figures should respond in times of crisis. His words are likely to resonate far beyond the borders of Jammu and Kashmir, as they touch on universal themes of human decency, solidarity, and the fight against terrorism.
The Pahalgam terror attack was a brutal reminder of the ever-present threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. However, in the face of such tragedy, Omar Abdullah’s response showcased the moral clarity that political leaders should strive for. His refusal to exploit the situation for political advantage, combined with his deep sympathy for the victims, made it clear that at this critical moment, unity and healing must take precedence over political agendas. As Jammu and Kashmir navigates this difficult period, Abdullah’s leadership offers a model for moving forward with compassion, dignity, and a resolute commitment to peace.
