On J&K terror attack, Farooq Abdullah says Kashmir won’t become Pakistan; ‘Islam deplores such behaviour,’ says Mirwaiz

Speaking to reporters Monday, Abdullah said, “Poor labourers who work hard to earn a living, and one of our doctors, have lost their lives in this attack. What will these terrorists achieve by doing this? Do they think they can create Pakistan here through this?”

Abdullah, the president of the Union Territory’s ruling party, said J&K has been witnessing an influx of militancy for many years. “We are making efforts to ensure that this ends so that we can move forward. I want to tell those governing Pakistan, if they are keen on friendly relations with India, they must stop this. Kashmir Pakistan nahin banega (Kashmir will not become Pakistan). Let us live with dignity and prosperity,” he said.

“The impact of such attacks affects all of us” and will impede J&K’s forward movement, he said, adding, “It is time to end terrorism. How will talks happen after innocents are killed?”

All Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condemned the attack. “Islam, like all religions, deplores such inhuman behaviour,” he said Monday. He described the loss of life “in this manner” as extremely painful, and emphasised that this is “another grim reminder of the unending cycle of violence and uncertainty we are suffering for decades. Pray to Allah for the speedy recovery of the injured and grant sabr (patience) to the families of those killed.”

The families of those killed in the attack will be given Rs 6 lakh from the government under Security Related Expenditure, and Rs 15 lakh from APCO, the construction company they were working for.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed Principal Secretary (Home Department) Chandraker Bharti to immediately provide financial assistance to the families of the victims.

Those injured in the attack will get Rs 2 lakh assistance.

The L-G said the government and APCO would ensure every possible financial assistance to the next of kin and other necessary support as required.

“Though it is an irreparable loss and cannot be compensated monetarily, we are taking concrete measures for the families…so that they live a life of dignity,” Sinha said.