‘With what face can I ask for statehood?’: 7 takeaways from Omar’s speech in Assembly
Referring to 'truly unified protests' against Pahalgam terror attack, he said a new ray of hope has emerged from Kashmir even in the face of this inhuman and dastardly attack
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday (April 28) said that he will not use the Pahalgam terror attack to seek statehood from the Union government.
Omar delivered an emotionally charged speech as the Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution, expressing shock and anguish over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.
Also read: Onus of Pahalgam massacre is on Centre, but Omar will bear the brunt
Here are the key takeaways from the chief minister’s address that condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed entire Kashmir's support against it.
‘Won’t push for statehood’
Omar, who also holds the tourism portfolio, flayed the Pahalgam terror attack and admitted that he failed in his responsibility of ensuring a safe return for tourists.
“The security in Jammu and Kashmir is not the responsibility of the elected government, but I will not use this opportunity (terror attack) to seek statehood. How can I push for statehood using the Pahalgam terror attack?”
“I will not use this moment to demand statehood. After Pahalgam, with what face can I ask for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir? Meri kya itni sasti siyasat hai? We have talked about statehood in the past and will do so in the future too, but it will be shameful on my part if I go and tell the central government that 26 people have died; now give me statehood,” he said.
“Curse be on me if I go to the Centre and push for statehood at this moment,” he added.
‘Entire country grieving attack’
Underlining the impact of the ghastly attack on the entire country, Omar said, “From north to south and from east to west... from Arunachal to Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala... the entire country has been affected by this attack.”
“We thought such attacks were a story of the past. Unfortunately, this (Pahalgam) attack has recreated a situation we hoped had been left behind. We never know when another such attack might take place,” he said.
‘No words to seek forgiveness’
An emotional Omar said he did not know how he should apologise to the families of the victims of the attack.
Also read: 'You don't ask a murderer...': Tharoor on Pak's offer for 'neutral probe' into Pahalgam
“I did not know how to apologise to the families of the deceased... As the host, it was my duty to ensure the tourists returned safely. I couldn't do it. I do not have the words to seek an apology... What should I say to those children who lost their father and to a wife who lost her husband, who got married a few days back? They asked what was our fault; we just came for the holidays... Whoever did this says they did it for us, but I want to ask: Did we approve it? Did we tell them to do this? We are not in support of this attack,” he said.
Unified protests in Kashmir
The chief minister, however, noted that even in the face of this inhuman and dastardly attack, a new ray of hope has emerged from Kashmir.
“For the first time in many years, I witnessed truly unified protests. No political party or leader orchestrated them, and no organised banners or candlelight marches were planned. The outrage and grief were spontaneous, coming straight from the hearts of the people. Every mosque observed silence,” he said.
Need to nurture spirit of unity
Referring to the unprecedented and spontaneous protests across Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said Srinagar's Jamia Masjid for the first time observed a two-minute silence before Friday prayers.
He emphasised that this change must be encouraged and strengthened. “We must boost and nurture this spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that has emerged from among the people themselves,” he added.
Caution against alienating people
Omar said his government would strengthen people's crusade against terrorism as it can be defeated only by the cooperation of the public.
He, however, cautioned that the government should avoid any step that will alienate the public. “Militancy or terrorism will finish when people are with us. Given people’s outrage against the terror, this is the beginning of its finishing if we take proper steps,” the chief minister said.
Also read: Pahalgam tragedy presents a glimmer of hope the government should seize
“We should not take any step that will alienate people. We cannot control a terrorist with a gun but we can end militancy if people are with us. I think that time has come,” he said.
Warns against spreading fake news
Omar also warned social media handlers spreading false news in the wake of the terror attack.
“While 90 per cent of people are upholding the truth, there are 10 per cent of those who are trying to spread falsehood on social media. I warn them to desist from this immediately as we will not tolerate the spread of falsehood,” he said.
