SC condemns Pahalgam terror attack; judges, lawyers pay tribute to victims
In an unusual move, the Supreme Court on Wednesday condemned the “cowardly terrorist attack on tourists” at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 28 people were killed and several others were injured on Tuesday.
Terming it a “diabolical act of mindless violence”, a resolution unanimously adopted by the Full Court this morning said, “The nation stands with the victims and their families in this hour of indescribable grief.”
“This diabolical act of mindless violence has shaken the conscience of all and is a stark reminder of the brutality and inhumanity that terrorism unleashes. The Supreme Court of India pays its respectful tribute to the innocent lives snuffed out brutally and prematurely while also expressing its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May the departed souls rest in peace and may those who were injured recover soon. The nation stands with the victims and their families in this hour of indescribable grief.
“The attack on tourists, who were merely enjoying the natural beauty of the Crown Jewel of India i.e. Kashmir, is undoubtedly an affront to the values of humanity and the sanctity of life and this Court strongly condemns the same,” read the resolution.
The Supreme Court judges, lawyers, members of the staff and all other persons present in the court and in the Registry observed two-minute silence expressing solidarity with the victims as well as their bereaved families, an official statement said.
The moment of silence was observed by all courts at 2 pm, when the court assembled in the post-lunch session.
Judges, lawyers and litigants all stood in silence for two minutes to pay their tributes to those killed in the attack as soon as the siren was sounded at 1.59 pm.
The top court’s Registry issued a circular informing that at 2 pm, judges, lawyers, staffers and other persons present in the court and in the registry will observe the period of silence.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on Record Association (SCAORA) passed resolutions unequivocally condemning the barbaric and cowardly terror attack on innocent tourists.
More than 300 lawyers assembled in the Supreme Court lawn in solidarity with the families of victims of the terror attack.
“We mourn the tragic loss of lives and express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured, and we wish them speedy recovery. These reprehensible acts of violence are a direct assault on the values of humanity. Targeting unarmed, innocent civilians is an act of unpardonable savagery,” an SCBA resolution read.
“The association stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, an integral part of our country and the nation as a whole,” read the SCAORA resolution.
India