JAMMU, April 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a resolu-tion strongly condemning the recent heinous terrorist attack at Baisaran, Pahalgam, which claimed 26 innocent lives, including a local pony-wallah. The resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, was put to a voice vote by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather and passed unanimously by the House.
The resolution expressed unequivocal condemnation of the attack, stating, “This House unequiv-ocally condemns the heinous, cowardly act that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Such acts of terror are a direct assault on the ethos of Kashmiriyat, the values enshrined in our Constitution, and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony that have long characterized Jammu & Kashmir and our Nation.”
In an emotional tribute, the resolution also praised Shaheed Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who laid down his life while attempting to save tourists. “His courage and selflessness embody the true spirit of Kashmir and shall serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations,” the resolution read.
The House also applauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and resilience in the wake of the attack. The peaceful demonstrations across towns and villages and the spontaneous outpouring of support for the tourists highlighted the people’s steadfast commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law.
The resolution also addressed the need for caution, urging all sections of society, particularly the media, to avoid inflaming passions in the aftermath of the attack. It called for national unity, em-phasizing that “the whole country stands united in the fight against terrorism.”
The House also appealed to the governments of all Indian states and Union Territories to ensure the safety and dignity of Kashmiri students and citizens living or traveling outside Jammu and Kashmir, urging necessary measures to prevent harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
The resolution concluded with a reaffirmation of the Legislative Assembly’s commitment to fos-tering peace, development, and prosperity for all its citizens, while resolutely defeating the de-signs of those who seek to disrupt communal harmony and progress.
Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, paid homage to the victims, expressing shock at the attack on what is often described as paradise on earth. “This inhuman act has shattered humanity, and the entire country is in grief and shock,” he said. Sharma stressed the importance of a united voice to thwart the terrorists’ designs and conveyed the people of Jammu and Kashmir’s deep sorrow and sympathy to the victims’ families.
The Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, condemned the attack as a cowardly act, emphasizing the well-known hospitality and communal harmony of Kashmiris. “Words fail to describe the tragedy, but Kashmiris have once again proven their resilience and unity,” he added.
Several other members, including Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Sajad Gani Lone, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, and Waheed ur Rehman Parra, also condemned the attack in the strongest terms, high-lighting that such violence had no place in a peaceful society.
Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kaloo) expressed sorrow that after 25 years, such an incident had occurred in Pahalgam, a region known for its peaceful atmosphere. He praised the people of Kashmir, es-pecially in Pahalgam, for their selfless services to the injured tourists.
Sheikh Khursheed suggested the establishment of memorials for the victims in Pahalgam, urging all MLAs to contribute from their salaries to fund the memorial. The House unanimously sup-ported this suggestion as a tribute to the lives lost in the tragic attack.
The session ended with an adjournment sine die by the Speaker, bringing to a close a day of re-flection, solidarity, and commitment to peace.
