Synopsis
Sajad Lone expressed deep sorrow over the Pahalgam terror attack, condemning it as an assault on Kashmiri identity. He organized a protest, emphasizing the need for unity against external threats while reflecting on the historical warmth and hospitality of the Kashmiri people.Key Takeaways
- Sajad Lone criticized the Pahalgam attack as an attack on Kashmiri identity.
- He organized protests to honor the victims and express communal grief.
- Lone emphasized the importance of protecting tourists as part of Kashmir's identity.
- The local community feels a deep sense of helplessness.
- The attack has heightened security concerns in the region.
Srinagar, April 24 (NationPress) The Chief of Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference, Sajad Lone, has voiced his sorrow over the Pahalgam terrorist attack, labeling it as an assault on the identity of Kashmiris.
In response to the attack, he organized a protest march on Wednesday, stating that all of Kashmir is "shedding tears of blood".
Lone, who serves as an MLA from Handwara, led a candlelight vigil at Polo View.
Addressing the media, he remarked that the killings were "profoundly regrettable" and characterized the incident as the "gravest in the last 30 years".
"All of Kashmir today is shedding tears of blood. These tourists were part of our hearts," he emphasized.
Commenting on the widespread protests and shutdowns throughout the valley, Lone urged that the mass mobilization should convey a strong message to the perpetrators that "this is our land, and these visitors are our guests. Lay down your bullets; we will not tolerate even a glare at our guests".
He highlighted that for generations, Kashmiris have been recognized for their warmth and hospitality.
"But now, the blood of our guests stains our conscience. It was outsiders who struck, not we the natives," Lone stated.
He asserted that external malefactors behind this heinous act aimed to weaken Kashmir's economy and plunge its people into despair, but they will not prevail.
Lone proclaimed, "Our identity is our hospitality. Yesterday's terror attack is also an attack on our identity. We must reclaim our history and heritage, and no one but the Kashmiris can do that. This land belongs to us. It is disgraceful that anyone from outside comes and attacks our tourists and our identity. We will determine our guests and ensure they are respected and safe... Even my father was killed by them (terrorists). They killed nearly 5,000-10,000 Kashmiris".
He added that Kashmiri Muslims attempted to assist the victims and are particularly heartbroken over the incident.
The local community feels a sense of helplessness and shame, having been unable to shield the tourists who were attacked in a secluded area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday.
The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) was thoroughly briefed on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepali national.
The assault, executed by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, ranks among the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack, where 40 CRPF soldiers lost their lives.
This incident is one of the most significant terror attacks in the region following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated a search operation in the vicinity of Baisaran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to apprehend the culprits behind this attack.
