Srinagar, April 24 (KNS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah today, extending her condolences to the families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, including two foreign tourists, on April 22.
During the call, Mufti strongly condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the nation. She also voiced serious concerns over the safety of Kashmiri students and traders across India, who she said are facing increasing threats and harassment in the wake of the tragedy.
"The Kashmiri Diaspora should not have to bear the brunt of this tragedy through threats and harassment," Mufti stated. "I have requested Shri Amit Shah ji to take immediate action to safeguard our students and traders, ensuring they can live and work without fear."
On April 23, Mufti led a protest march in Srinagar from PDP headquarters near Sher-e-Kashmir Park to Lal Chowk, joined by party workers and citizens carrying placards condemning the attack.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelMessages such as "This is an attack on all of us" and "Stop innocent killings" reflected public outrage and grief.
Addressing the media, Mufti called the incident a direct assault on Kashmiriyat — the region’s cultural ethos of peace and harmony — and apologized to the nation for the tragedy.
"This attack wasn’t just on tourists; it was an attack on all of us. We are ashamed that such an incident occurred in our land," she said.
She applauded the efforts of security forces, who have released sketches of three suspects, and emphasized the need for a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy that also addresses the socio-economic roots of unrest in the region.
Mufti concluded by urging all political parties, communities, and citizens to stand united against terrorism and to uphold peace and justice in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)