“I Invited Them, I Failed Them”, “Shame on Me If I Seek Statehood Now”: Omar Abdullah’s Powerful Address

In a powerful speech in the J&K Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah mourned the victims of the Pahalgam attack, praised Kashmiri locals’ bravery, and called for unity to defeat terror.

April 28, 2025 —
In a deeply emotional address to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah mourned the loss of 26 lives in the Pahalgam terror attack and called for unity to defeat terrorism in the Valley.

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Reading out the names and home states of each victim, Mr Abdullah said, “From Arunachal to Gujarat, Jammu to Kashmir to Kerala, the whole country has come in the throes of this attack.” He described the attack as an assault not just on individuals, but on India’s very soul.

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Abdullah acknowledged the deep pain of the victims’ families and took personal responsibility, stating, “As Chief Minister, as tourism minister, I invited them here. As a host, I failed to ensure their safe return.” His voice broke as he spoke of children who watched their fathers bleed and a Navy officer’s young widow who was left to bear lifelong grief.

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The Chief Minister condemned the terrorists, rejecting their claim of acting in Kashmiris’ name. “Did we ask for this? Did we agree to this? None of us stands with this attack,” he asserted.

In a rare display of bipartisan solidarity, even the BJP-led Opposition praised Mr Abdullah’s handling of the aftermath, highlighting the unity that has emerged against terror.

Significantly, Mr Abdullah pointed to a spontaneous wave of protests across Jammu and Kashmir — from Kathua to Kupwara — where locals took to the streets declaring, “Not in my name.” He called this unprecedented public rejection of terrorism a “new opportunity” and stressed that true victory over militancy would come not just with guns, but with people’s support.

Honouring the bravery shown by locals, Abdullah saluted Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who was killed trying to protect tourists. He also praised others — shikarawallahs offering free fruit, cab drivers giving free rides, hotel owners opening rooms — who extended solidarity and compassion to the victims.

Addressing concerns about Kashmiri students facing backlash elsewhere in India, Abdullah thanked other state governments for maintaining law and order and urged continued efforts to protect innocent Kashmiris across the country.

“This attack has hollowed us out,” he concluded, “but perhaps this pain will sow the seeds of a lasting peace.”

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