Srinagar, Apr 28 (KNO): Senior Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Monday said they were fully supportive of the central government's anti-terror efforts in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed over two dozen lives last week.
Mir, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) while addressing the special session of the Legislative Assembly called in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, condemned the attack in the strongest words and called for unity across political, regional and religious lines to defeat the divisive agenda of terrorism.
Stressing that the tragedy must not be politicised, Mir said, “Today, there is no election. We have to respond in one voice, beyond any party interest.”
The Congress leader lauded the government’s initial steps taken after the attack, including the convening of an all-party meeting.
He said that the Congress Party was committed to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring peace and ensuring security for citizens. “The entire country stands united with the government. There is no place for politics in this moment of grief and determination,” Mir said.
However, Mir also flagged concerns regarding security lapses.
Mir also criticised the aftermath of the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, questioning the effectiveness of the steps taken post-reorganisation in curbing militancy. “Seven years have passed, but incidents continue,” he said.
Mir, in his address, also appealed for the protection of Jammu and Kashmir residents living across the country, stating that innocent Kashmiris should not face discrimination or hostility in the aftermath of the attack.
He urged both the Centre and state governments to ensure the safety of Kashmiris studying, working, and living in different parts of India. “Our people should be seen with the same trust and humanity that the locals in Pahalgam showed during the attack, carrying the injured, providing shelter, and standing tall in the face of adversity,” Mir added.
Praising the local people and hoteliers of Pahalgam for their humanity and bravery, Mir noted how they carried injured tourists to safety without any hesitation.
Mir said that the ‘terrorists’ real agenda was not just physical destruction but to sow communal hatred between Hindus and Muslims.
“We must send a strong message from this house that India will not be divided. Jammu and Kashmir will not bow to terror,” he said. He also questioned the security ‘lapses’, stating that Pahalgam was being considered a highly secure zone, especially during the Amarnath Yatra season. “Where did the terrorists come from? Who supported them? Why were precautionary measures lacking,” he asked.
Appealing to the media, Mir, during his address, also cautioned against sensationalism that could vitiate the national atmosphere. “Media must act responsibly. Amplifying the terrorist agenda by giving communal colour to the tragedy will only serve the enemies of peace,” he said—(KNO)