Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, at the former’s residence in Srinagar on Friday. The leaders discussed the situation and emphasized the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s office, both leaders reaffirmed the necessity to stand firm against terror.
“Met Rahul Gandhi Ji, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and senior INC colleagues at my residence in Srinagar. In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, we reaffirmed the need to stay united and stand firm against terror,” said Omar Abdullah in a statement.
Regarding the Central government’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, Omar Abdullah expressed his strong disapproval, calling the treaty “the most unfair document to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
“The government of India has taken some steps. As far as J&K is concerned, we have never been in favour of the Indus Water Treaty. We have always believed that the Indus Water Treaty has been the most unfair document to the people of J&K,” Abdullah remarked.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi visited a hospital in Srinagar on Friday, where he met with one of the victims of the attack. He condemned the tragedy, stating that the purpose behind the attack was to divide society.
“It has been a terrible tragedy. I came here to gain a sense of what’s going on and to help. The entire population of Jammu and Kashmir has condemned this terrible action and has fully supported the nation at this time. I met one of the people who is injured. My love and affection to everybody who has lost their family members. The entire nation is standing united,” said Rahul Gandhi.
He also added that the opposition parties were united in their condemnation of the attack and expressed readiness to support the government in whatever actions it takes.
“We are ready to support whatever action the government wants to take. The idea behind the attack is to divide the society. It is very important that every Indian stands united so that we can defeat what the terrorists wanted to do,” Gandhi added.
He also expressed sadness over the attacks on Kashmiris in other parts of the country, saying,
“It is sad to see that some people are attacking my brothers and sisters from Kashmir and the rest of the country, and I think it’s very important that all of us stand together, stand united and fight this nasty action that has been taken and defeat terrorism once and for all.”
Rahul Gandhi assured both Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor (LG) that his party would offer full support to the efforts in Kashmir.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which took place on April 22, killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while several others were left injured. Terrorists targeted tourists at the Baisaran meadow, in one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent times.