New Delhi, May 03 (KNO): For the first time after April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday and discussed with him the emerging situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the chief minister, during the meeting, which lasted around 30 minutes, highlighted the deep sense of grief and anger felt across Kashmir against the killings, and the “spontaneous” protests that followed the massacre.
The meeting, which took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, was the first formal interaction between the two leaders since the terror attack, which marked one of the most significant civilian-targeted incidents in the region in recent years.
Sources informed the KNO that the chief minister is believed to have briefed the Prime Minister on the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on the public response to the violence.
CM Omar informed PM Modi about the widespread protests across the Valley that followed the attack. He said these demonstrations were organised by local residents without political backing, as a collective response to the killings.
The CM reiterated the deep sense of grief and outrage felt by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a government spokesperson said, adding that Abdullah conveyed to the PM the people’s deep sense of solidarity in rejecting the violence.
On April 28, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack in the strongest possible terms, reflecting the collective will of the people’s representatives to stand united against terrorism and safeguard the peace and harmony of the region.
"The CM also drew attention to the role played by Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator in Pahalgam, who lost his life while trying to stop one of the attackers in an attempt to shield visiting tourists," sources said.
The two leaders are also believed to have discussed the security framework in place in Jammu and Kashmir and whether additional measures are needed in light of the current tensions.
The conversation, according to sources, also touched upon India’s diplomatic stance following the attack, particularly actions taken concerning Pakistan.
Later, CM Omar confirmed the meeting through a social media post, saying he had discussed key issues concerning the region with the prime minister. He did not elaborate further.
"Met Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji in New Delhi today to discuss key issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir," the Chief Minister's office posted on 'X'—(KNO)