‘Shaping a common voice against terror’: CM Omar calls all-party meet on Pahalgam attack

The all-party meeting will be held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

Noting that he was writing “with a heavy heart, in the aftermath of the horrific attack that took place in Pahalgam yesterday’’, Omar said, in his one- page letter to major J&K parties and MPs, that “the lives lost and the anguish inflicted upon innocent citizens have deeply shaken us all. This is not merely a tragedy for any region or a party – it is a wound upon the very soul of Jammu and Kashmir”.

“At this sombre moment, I believe it is our collective duty – as representatives of the people and as custodians of democratic values – to come together irrespective of our political affiliations and stand united in our response,’’ the CM wrote, adding that he has thus convened the all-party meeting “to discuss the situation, express our joint condemnation of this act of terror and deliberate on the path ahead in ensuring peace, justice and resilience”.

Stating that the participation of leaders from all parties would be of great value as “we shape a common voice that reflects the strength and solidarity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir’’, Omar said that he was “extending this invitation not just in his official capacity, but as a friend and fellow citizen who shares your anguish and concern’’.

“Let us come together – as partners in the service of our people in this hour of pain and resolve,” the CM added.

J&K BJP president Sat Sharma confirmed receiving the invite from the CM and said that the party would decide on it. Among other parties, the Congress and the CPI(M) would also participate in the meeting.

CPI(M) leader and five-time MLA from Kulgam, M Y Tarigami, said, “Certainly we will all sit together at the all-party meeting and express our condemnation of the gruesome and barbaric killings by terrorists’’.

“We shall convey the message that terrorists cannot decide the agenda of the government and they cannot divide us as whosoever has been killed or injured belongs to all of us in India,’’ Tarigami said. “By sitting together, let us assist each other in understanding the situation and make efforts for peace and harmony,’’ he added.