New Delhi: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah this evening called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital to discuss key issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, with particular emphasis on the recent developments in the region.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed the Prime Minister on the prevailing situation in the wake of the heinous terrorist attack that occurred on April 22 in Baisaran Valley of the Pahalgam tourist resort, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.
The Chief Minister reiterated the deep sense of grief and outrage felt by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
On April 28, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack in the strongest possible terms, reflecting the collective will of the people’s representatives to stand united against terrorism and safeguard the peace and harmony of the region.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed to the Prime Minister the deep sense of solidarity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir in rejecting violence.
According to officials, the meeting lasted around 30 minutes.
The meeting comes as India has been weighing in its response to the attack that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, in the scenic valley.
New Delhi has alleged the role of Pakistan-based terrorists groups in the strike and announced a multi-pronged punitive measures against the neighbouring country, including suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and closing of land border crossing.
Last Monday, while addressing the J&K Assembly, Omar Abdulah said the spontaneous public outrage after the Pahalgam attack is an indication that terrorism may end soon in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I did not have the words to apologise to these families though the security of Jammu and Kashmir is not the responsibility of the elected government. As the Tourism Minister, I invited these people to come here.
“Being the host, it was my responsibility to send them back safely. I could not send them back,” Abdullah said, with his voice heavy with emotion.
The chief minister also made it clear that he would not cite the massacre to push for J&K’s statehood restoration.
“My politics is not so cheap…this is not the time to demand statehood,” he said.