In a rare and powerful show of unity, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a unanimous resolution condemning the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam that shook the nation last week. Cutting across political and ideological divides, legislators came together to express grief, rage, and determination in the face of violence.
The special session convened in the aftermath of the massacre saw passionate speeches endorsing the diplomatic measures taken by the Government of India on April 23, after a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting.
Sunil Sharma: “PM Will Give Befitting Reply”
BJP leader and Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, in an emotional address, said the entire nation was watching and mourning. “J&K is known as heaven, and this attack has shaken all humanity,” he said, recounting the pain of a newlywed woman and a young boy who lost loved ones.
Calling for unwavering trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Sharma stressed patience and unity: “We must trust the Government’s plan. We didn’t eat after the attack, we protested—this unity must now be preserved.”
Opposition Backs Centre, But Flags Security Lapses
Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir lauded the people’s unity but questioned whether security had failed. “Announcements must become ground action,” he said, warning against lip-service. He also emphasized the need to investigate “black sheep” within the establishment.
No More Dialogue: AAP Demands Military Action
Mehraj Malik of Aam Aadmi Party made a fiery pitch for direct military action against Pakistan. “Enough is enough,” he said. “If we don’t reply in bullet-to-bullet language, this will not stop.”
Valley Rejects Violence: Sajad Lone, Tarigami Echo Shift in Sentiment
Sajad Gani Lone of People’s Conference noted this as a turning point in public perception: “For the first time in 35 years, Kashmiris are rejecting such violence outright.” He called for media sensitivity and national unity.
Veteran leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami emphasized communal harmony and participation of local representatives in the anti-terror effort. “Terrorists have no religion. Our message should be clear: we are one.”
Restoring Statehood, Supporting Victims: Wider Concerns Raised
Altaf Ahmad Wani (NC) praised the local people for aiding the injured and emphasized long-overdue restoration of statehood. Waheed Parra of PDP described the massacre as “a crime against humanity,” and called for martyr status for the victims.
Tributes and Proposals: Memorials and Donations
Multiple MLAs including Sheikh Khursheed proposed setting up memorials in Pahalgam and donating legislator salaries to support victims’ families.
