A Host’s Regret and Kashmir’s Hope After Terror Attack on Tourists

In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, delivered a heartfelt speech in the Assembly that resonated across the nation. With solemnity and resolve, he read aloud the names and home states of the 26 victims who fell victim to the brutal attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local. From north to south, east to west, the entire country stood united in grief, he said, as the attack brought sorrow to all corners of India.

In a rare moment of solidarity across party lines, the Opposition praised Abdullah’s response. The attack, which had left families in devastation, saw the Chief Minister deeply reflect on his responsibility. “As Chief Minister and tourism minister, I welcomed these visitors to Kashmir. It was my duty to ensure their safety, but I failed,” he confessed, his voice choked with emotion. He recounted the harrowing scenes of children witnessing the horror and a young widow who had only just been married days before.

Abdullah spoke directly to the perpetrators of this attack, questioning their motives. "Did we ask for this?" he asked. "Did we demand that these 26 people be sent back in coffins in our name? None of us stands with this attack. This act has hollowed us out."

Yet, in a rare turn of events, the people of Kashmir responded differently. Across towns and villages, spontaneous protests erupted, with people shouting “Not in my name.” This unified response, the Chief Minister noted, is a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times. “We can fight militancy with guns, but it will end only when the people stand with us,” Abdullah said, as he spoke of the growing solidarity among locals.

He honored the bravery of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who sacrificed his life to protect a tourist during the attack. The Chief Minister also praised the selfless efforts of locals who rushed to assist the injured, offering food, free rides, and shelter.

As Kashmir grapples with grief, its people show the world that despite the violence, humanity and hope will endure.