J&K stands united

THE Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has sent out a strong message of peace and communal harmony in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. During a special House session, it unanimously passed a resolution condemning the massacre that has shocked, angered and saddened not only J&K but the entire country. The horrifying incident has come just six months after the Omar Abdullah-led government took charge following peaceful and highly participative elections in the state-turned-UT. Right now, the biggest challenge for the CM is to ensure that the gains from the revival of the democratic process are not frittered away.

Omar sees a ray of hope for Kashmir in the spontaneous outrage and grief, “coming straight from the hearts of the people”, after the massacre. “Every mosque observed silence (in memory of the victims),” he noted. Indeed, this heartwarming sign indicates that all is not lost. The welcome spirit of unity, compassion and resilience can counter the disruptive elements who want to push a resurgent J&K back into that nightmarish era of the early 1990s.

Omar has candidly admitted that he failed in his responsibility of sending tourists safely back home. Refusing to exploit the tragedy for political ends, he has declared that he will not use this moment to seek statehood. It’s inevitable that J&K’s UT status will not end as long as terrorism keeps rearing its ugly head. However, the wholehearted involvement of Kashmiris and their elected representatives in the fight against terror can make a visible difference on the ground. A lot will depend on the support provided by the Centre and various states to the beleaguered UT. Helping Kashmir pick up the pieces after a devastating blow should become a national priority.

Editorials