Pahalgam attack, CM's all-party meeting conveys message of political unity

Amid political tension in the state following the horrific terror attack in Kashmir's Pahelgam, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called an all-party meeting on Thursday (April 24). The meeting began at 3 pm at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar. Representatives of almost all major political parties in the state were present.

The meeting was attended by Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference, Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, Tariq Hamid Kara of the Congress, Altaf Bukhari of the AAP, Sajad Lone of the People's Conference and Mehboob Baig of the PDP. Representatives of the BJP, JDU, CPI(M), Awami Ittehad Party, People's Democratic Front, Aam Aadmi Party, Awami National Conference and National Panthers Party were also present.  NC MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also attended the meeting.

The purpose of calling the meeting was to hear the views of political parties on the situation after the Pahalgam attack and to give a collective response. The Chief Minister said, “This attack is not against any one party, it is a blow to the heart of the entire Kashmir. Despite political differences, we have to stand together against such atrocities.”

She also said, “This is not a political issue, but a question of humanitarian and national security. Therefore, I have invited representatives of all parties, members of parliament and opposition leaders, so that we can face this challenge together.”

Incidentally, 26 tourists lost their lives in the terrorist attack that took place in the Pahalgam region on Tuesday. Many more were injured. An atmosphere of anxiety and anger has been created across the state after this attack. In that context, the political circles feel that this all-party meeting of the Chief Minister has sent a message of political unity.