Won’t talk statehood at this time, I’ve lost face: Omar Abdullah on J&K attack

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday dismissed any attempt to politicise the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities, stating he would not seek statehood for the Union Territory over the bodies of innocent victims. Showing profound sorrow, the National Conference leader stated that, although regaining statehood is a significant objective, he would postpone advocating for it at this moment and would not use human lives as a tool for political negotiation.

“We are not in charge of law and order in Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said, adding, “But I will not use today’s situation to demand statehood from the Centre. I won’t demand statehood over dead bodies. We will demand it on another occasion.”

“My brand of politics is not so cheap that I would demand statehood at the cost of 26 lives,” he said, asserting that politics must have its limits, especially when human lives are involved.

The call for statehood has been a persistent concern between the Centre and the Opposition. The revival of Article 370, the restoration of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, and the execution of the autonomy resolution are major commitments featured in the National Conference’s manifesto for the elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

In August 2019, the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, removing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Although the National Conference has persistently advocated for the reinstatement of statehood, Omar Abdullah emphasized that political ambitions must not overshadow the grief for lives lost to terrorism.

The National Conference leader strongly condemned the terror attack and said, “Today, we want to strongly condemn the Pahalgam terror attack.” He also read out the names of the victims in the Assembly, saying the safety and protection of the tourists was his responsibility.

Speaking in the Assembly, Abdullah said, “Neither of us supports this attack. This attack has hollowed us. We are trying to find a ray of light in this… In the last 26 years, I have never seen people come out to protest against an attack like this.” He added that the protests were voluntary, with people carrying banners, posters, and raising slogans against terrorism.

Highlighting the change on the ground, Abdullah said, “Militancy and terrorism will end when people will support us. This is the beginning of that… We should not say or show anything which harms this movement that has arisen. We can control militancy using guns, but it will end only when people support us. And now it seems people are reaching that point.”

Abdullah also recounted the story of the local from kashmir who died while trying to save others. “Adil, without bothering about his life, saved many tourists. He laid down his life. Instead of fleeing, he decided to save them,” he said. He also lauded the efforts of pony wallahs who rescued tourists and took the injured to hospitals, food stall owners who provided free meals, and the broader spirit of Kashmiri hospitality. “I salute these people. This is our hospitality,” he said.

Expressing anguish over the victims’ suffering, Abdullah said, “What should I tell the widow of the Navy officer who had got married just a few days ago? I have no words to console her. Many family members of the victims asked me what was their crime? I had no answer.”

He added, “Although I’m not in charge of law and order, I invited tourists to visit Kashmir. As their host, it was my duty to look after them and ensure their safety. I have no words to say sorry to the tourists.”

He thanked state governments across India for taking quick action to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students facing difficulties after the attack. “I want to thank all the state governments who took immediate steps and prevented untoward incidents,” he said..