Kashmiris sufferers, not perpetrators of violence: PDP

Srinagar, Apr 27: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) General Secretary Mohammad Khurshid Alam on Sunday said that Kashmiri people have consistently rejected violence and have been its foremost victims.
“Violence has incinerated our dwellings, claimed our cherished ones and transformed our beautiful land into graveyards,” he said while presiding over a significant party meeting at Habba Kadal, organised by the party’s Constituency Incharge, Arif Laigroo.
The meeting was attended by Abdul Hameed Kohsheen, Zuhaib Yousuf Mir, Iqbal Tramboo, Dr Ali Mohammad, Fayaz Reshi, Tufail Bhat, Bilal Naiku, Sameer Ul Jameel, Lateef Bhat, Javeed Raina, Saabit Nauman, Aqib Farooq, Aman Zargar, among others.
The assembly commenced with vehement denunciation of the recent tragic killings in Pahalgam. Attendees expressed profound solidarity with the bereaved families of the slain tourists and paid solemn tribute to Syed Adil Shah, who sacrificed his life protecting visitors.
Alam categorically condemned the killing of tourists, saying Kashmiris have perpetually embodied a tradition of exceptional hospitality and warmth. “Throughout our history, tourists have never faced hostility, not even verbal, let alone deadly force. The perpetrators of this abhorrent crime stand as the most egregious enemies of Kashmiris first, followed by the nation’s citizens. We denounce such atrocities unequivocally and shall continue our condemnation until our final breath,” he said.
The PDP leader expressed concern regarding the collective retribution implemented following the incident, including numerous arrests and property demolitions. He said accountability must remain individual rather than general.
“Our local citizens already shoulder the burdens and adversities of daily existence. Criminalising and vilifying innocent individuals for offences they never contemplated represents a profound injustice. The government must uphold the rule of law and ensure innocent lives aren’t sacrificed on hatred’s altar,” he said.
Alam further implored the Government of India to guarantee the safety and support of Kashmiris residing throughout the country.
In his address, Arif Laigaroo said the future of the region and the country at large lies not in perpetuating cycles of violence and retribution, but in fostering understanding, protecting individual rights and rebuilding trust across all communities.
“Only through justice that distinguishes between perpetrators and innocent citizens can we hope to establish lasting peace in this troubled region,” he said.