Srinagar, April 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with other prominent leaders, on Sunday called for decisive action against terrorism following the recent Pahalgam attack, while cautioning the government to ensure that innocent Kashmiris are not alienated in the process.
In a post on X, as per the Kashmir Bulletin, CM Abdullah said that after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origins.
He added that the people of Kashmir have openly and spontaneously condemned the murder of innocent individuals and that this support should be built upon, ensuring that no misplaced actions alienate the people.
He called for strict punishment for the guilty but emphasized that innocent people should not become collateral damage.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said that the Government of India must tread cautiously and distinguish between terrorists and civilians, especially given reports of thousands of arrests and the demolition of houses belonging to both militants and common Kashmiris.
She urged the authorities to ensure that innocent people, particularly those opposing terrorism, are not unfairly targeted, as alienation only aids the terrorists’ goals of division and fear.
Lok Sabha member Ruhullah Mehdi said that Kashmir and Kashmiris are facing collective punishment.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that while Kashmiris collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of demolished houses and neighborhoods are disturbing.
He urged the authorities to ensure that in seeking justice for the victims, innocent Kashmiri families are not punished.
