Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today strongly condemned the brutal killing of 26 tourists including a local pony-walla by the terrorists at Baisaran in Pahalgam on April 22.
A daylong special session was called where Speaker and members expressed their anguish and shock over the barbaric terrorist attack, in which 26 innocents persons lost their lives. Leading the obituary references during a special session of the House, the Speaker from the floor paid glowing tributes to the 26 innocent lives lost in the horrific attack.
The House solemnly remembered and honored the victims, including Vinay Narwal, N. Ramachandran, Dinesh Agarwal, Atul Shrikant Moni, Neeraj Udwani, Samer Guha, Sushil Nathyal, Sanjay Laxman, Sudeep Nopani, Bitain Adikari, Manjunath Rao, Dilip Desale, Prashant Satapati, Munish Ranjan, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, J.S. Chandar Mouli, Madhusudan Rao, Santosh Jaghdai, Kastoba Ganovota, Hemant Suhas Joshi, Shubham Diwedi, Bharat Bhushan, Sumit Parmar, Yatish Parmar, Tage Halying, and Shailesh Bhai.
The House observed two minutes of silence as token of respect to the victims of this tragic incident. Expressing profound grief and sorrow, the Speaker called for unity against terrorism.“Let us send a strong message to the world that the entire nation condemns this barbaric act," he said.
Emphasising the need for an unwavering resolve against terror in all its forms, the Speaker termed the killings of innocent tourists, who had come to enjoy Kashmir’s natural beauty as an assault on humanity and peace.
"The attack on innocent tourists is not just a crime against individuals, but an attack on humanity itself and an attempt to disturb peace and harmony," he stated. The Speaker extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, expressing deep solidarity and sympathy with their unimaginable pain.
He called upon all sections of society to come together to reject violence and uphold the enduring values of peace, brotherhood, and unity. He said that the purpose of convening this Special Session is to deliver a clear message, that “the whole country stands united in the fight against terrorism."
Reaffirming unwavering support of the House to the victim families, the Speaker mourned that the dreams of tourists to witness natural beauty and make good memories in Kashmir, were brutally shattered by senseless act of violence.
In order to ensure safety of Kashmiri students and business owners outside J&K, the Speaker urged the Government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of tourists, citizens, businessmen and the students of Jammu and Kashmir, studying in different parts of the Country.
He called upon all Members of the House to work together to create a secure environment for all our citizens and visitors. Lastly, the Speaker urged that tribute be paid to the victims by reaffirming the commitment to peace, tolerance and compassion, ensuring that their sacrifice would not go in vain.