'Sinister design behind selective targeting': J&K assembly's resolution on Pahalgam attack

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution on the Pahalgam attack that called the selective targeting of victims by terrorists a "sinister design" that must not be allowed to succeed.

Terrorists killed 26 people —25 of whom were tourists— in J&K's Pahalgam on April 22. They singled out and shot non-Muslims by asking people their names, asking them to recite 'kalma', and checking them for circumcision, according to sources and a witness.

"This House is mindful of the sinister design behind the selective targeting of the victims of this attack. It appeals to all the sections of the society and in particular the media to not fall victim to this sinister plot by irresponsibly inflaming passions. The need to remain united in the face of this attempted division cannot be overemphasised," read the resolution.

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An outfit calling itself The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. The outfit is seen as a cover used by Pakistan-sponsored Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to portray its acts of terror as an indigenous movement.

'Direct assault on the ethos of Kashmiriyat'

The resolution, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, said that the Pahalgam attack was "a direct assault on the ethos of Kashmiriyat" and the house "unequivocally condemns the heinous, cowardly act".

The resolution saluted Sayed Adil Hussain Shah, the lone Kashmiri killed in the attack, for his bravery. He was killed by terrorists while he was trying to protect tourists. He worked in Pahalgam as a guide.

"His courage and selflessness embody the true spirit of Kashmir and shall serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations," read the resolution.

The resolution also commended the public rejection of the attack in Kashmir and said that the "peaceful demonstrations across towns and villages, and the spontaneous outpouring of moral and material support towards tourists, reaffirm the people's steadfast commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law".

The resolution called for other states and union territories to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of Kashmiris and take all necessary measures to prevent harassment, discrimination, or intimidation. It also endorsed the diplomatic decisions of the Union government announced so far, such as the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and expulsion of all Pakistani nationals from the country.

'The attack was not for us, it was against us': Omar Abdullah

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the attack in Pahalgam was against Kashmir as well as the soul of India.

In an apparent rejection of terrorists' claim that they are fighting for Kashmir, Abdullah said, "This attack was not done for us. It was done against us...This was not just an attack on people from one state. It was an attack on the very soul of India."

Abdullah also went on to praise the 'not in my name' protests in Kashmir in which people rejected the Pahalgam terror attack and came out in solidarity of victims.

"I have never seen people come out to protest against an attack like this… people said not in my name," said Abdullah.