Avinash Azad
An air of grief and solemn determination filled the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday, as lawmakers came together in a rare and emotional special session to mourn the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 27 innocent tourist lives on April 22, 2025.
The Assembly, cutting across party lines, unanimously passed a strong resolution condemning the “barbaric and inhumane” assault, describing it as a brutal blow not just to human lives but to the soul of Kashmir itself. “A direct assault on the ethos of Kashmiriyat, the values enshrined in our Constitution, and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony,” the resolution declared.
Deputy Chief Minister, J&K Surinder Kumar Choudhary moved the supplementary business, which included a detailed and heartfelt resolution. The House paused to pay rich tributes to Shaheed Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the local hero who laid down his life while bravely trying to save the besieged tourists. His “courage and selflessness,” it was noted, “embody the true spirit of Kashmir” and will forever inspire generations to come.
Amid emotional scenes, the Assembly lauded the extraordinary resilience and compassion shown by ordinary citizens across Jammu and Kashmir, whose peaceful demonstrations and spontaneous acts of solidarity reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to communal harmony and peace. The House also strongly backed the diplomatic steps initiated by the Union Government after a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, sending a clear signal that India stands united against terror.
In a solemn appeal, the Assembly urged media organizations and the public to resist the sinister attempt to sow communal discord through selective targeting and irresponsible narratives. Emphasizing unity, lawmakers cautioned against falling prey to divisive designs.
Significantly, the Legislative Assembly also reached out beyond its borders, urging governments across all States and Union Territories to guarantee the safety, dignity, and rights of Kashmiri students and citizens living elsewhere, and to act firmly against any harassment or discrimination.
Calling upon political parties, community and religious leaders, civil society, youth organizations, and media houses to stand together, the Assembly concluded with a resounding pledge to safeguard the ideals of peace, democracy, and inclusiveness. The session closed with an obituary reference, as the House — and the entire region — grieved together for the victims, while vowing to ensure that the forces of hate would never succeed in tearing apart the fabric of Kashmir’s enduring spirit.
