Omar Abdullah expresses regret over Pahalgam attack, says he failed as host

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday, April 28, expressed deep regret over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, admitting he had failed in his responsibility to ensure the safety of visiting tourists.

Speaking at a special session of the Assembly convened to condemn the attack, Abdullah said the tragedy had left the entire nation deeply shaken.

"This incident has impacted the entire country. We have witnessed such attacks in the past, but one of this magnitude has occurred after 21 years in Baisaran," Abdullah said. "I do not know how to apologise to the families of the victims. As their host, it was my duty to ensure they returned home safely — and I failed. I lack the words to seek forgiveness," he added.

Addressing the political context, Abdullah said, "I will not use this tragedy to demand statehood. After what happened in Pahalgam, how can I face the Centre and ask for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir? Is my politics so cheap? We have raised the demand for statehood in the past and will continue to do so, but it would be shameful to raise it now when 26 people have lost their lives."

Pahalgam Terror Attack

The terror strike occurred on April 22 in the Baisaran valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 people, most of them tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility but later retracted the statement.

In response, the Indian government announced a series of strong diplomatic actions against Pakistan, escalating tensions further. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking visas for Pakistani nationals, and shutting down the Attari land transit post. On the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, India also blocked several Pakistani YouTube channels accused of spreading provocative and misleading narratives following the attack.