Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD)Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged people not to communalise the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, earlier this week. Speaking in Ramban, he reminded that a young Kashmiri, Adil, had sacrificed his life while bravely confronting the attackers to protect visitors.
Omar acknowledged the palpable fear among tourists following the incident. “No one plans a holiday expecting to face such tragedy. The fear is real, and I completely understand it,” he said. “But we must also recognise that the aim of the terrorists is to spread fear and drive people away from Kashmir. Leaving now, in panic, would only serve their objectives.”
The Chief Minister appealed to the public to remember the human cost borne by locals, particularly Adil, in defending innocent lives. “Those who are trying to give this attack a communal colour should first think of Adil—his bravery transcended religion or politics. He gave his life protecting those he did not even know. That is the Kashmir we must remember.”
He also pointed out the overwhelming condemnation of the attack by local communities across the Valley. “The people of Kashmir have unequivocally denounced this act of terror. It is important to highlight that the outrage and grief are shared by everyone here,” Omar added.
The Pahalgam attack has not only shocked the region but also sparked conversations around the safety of tourists and the socio-political ramifications of such incidents. Omar’s remarks come at a time when sections of social media and certain political voices have attempted to portray the incident through a communal lens, something the Chief Minister said only deepens societal divides(DD)