Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the Union Home Minister has assured full support and concrete measures to ensure the safety of students, traders, and other individuals from Jammu and Kashmir residing outside the Union Territory.
This assurance comes amid rising concerns and reports of alleged harassment of J&K students in various states following the Pahalgam terror attack that left 25 tourist and a local dead
“I spoke to the Home Minister…. He has assured me that necessary steps will be taken for the security and safety of students, traders, and others outside Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah told reporters on Friday after holding a meeting with business stakeholders in wake of Pahalgam attack.
Abdullah further revealed that the Home Minister already spoke with several Chief Ministers across the country to address the issue and has promised that an advisory will be issued shortly to all states regarding the protection of J&K residents.
Omar Abdullah also stated that he personally reached out to a few of his counterpart Chief Ministers, and that prompt and concrete actions are being taken in areas where such incidents have been reported.
“Wherever such news is emerging, appropriate steps are being taken without delay,” he added.
Chief Minister commended the J&K”s business community for demonstrating solidarity and selflessness during a time of profound grief.
Abdullah noted that not a single participant brought up business losses or demanded compensation.
“At this point in time, we are not counting rupees and paisa,” he said. “It is a credit to all the participants and stakeholders—no one lamented empty rooms, houseboats, or idle taxis.”
Abdullah emphasized that the focus of the meeting was not on financial matters but on extending sympathy and support to the families of the victims.
“Our concern is to express solidarity with the families of those 26 people who were killed in this attack,” he said. “Business comes and goes, but right now, it’s about standing together in this moment of pain.”
Omar Abdullah also lashed out at a section TV channels for ignoring a powerful moment of unity and compassion in Kashmir.
Abdullah highlighted the two-minute silence observed at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid before Friday prayers in memory of the 26 victims of the attack.
“No one is feeling happy,” he said, “but at least we should be satisfied that such a dignified silence was observed in Jama Masjid. It was a moment of collective grief and solidarity.”
He lashed out at what he called “shameless” media channels for failing to cover the tribute.
“This silence was an answer to all those channels spreading poison against Kashmiris,” he said. “But they won’t show this. Because spreading hatred fuels their agenda. Some of their anchors are cowards who don’t support the truth.”
Abdullah also praised the selfless bravery of a local Kashmiri man Syed Adil who died while trying to rescue tourists during the Pahalgam attack.
“It is our duty not just to honor him and his family, but to ensure his memory lives on,” he said
“In the meantime, the Maharashtra tour and travel operators have already taken a decision to adopt his family, to take care of all their education needs from now until they complete their education, and also to help the family in the days and years ahead,” he said.
UNI
