J&K Cabinet Seeks Special Session Of Assembly, All-Party Meet Today

Srinagar:In the backdrop of Tuesday’s deadly terror attack at Baisaran (Pahalgam), the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has decided to advise the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to summon a special session of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

The Cabinet, after an emergency meeting, suggested that the special session may be held at 10.30 am on April 28 at Jammu.

The “crucial” meeting held in Jammu on Wednesday evening resolved that while security is not the direct responsibility of the elected Government, the Council of Ministers shall work in close coordination with the Lt. Governor’s administration to ensure the life and safety of every citizen, especially tourists and residents in vulnerable areas.

It appealed to all the communities, religious leaders, civil society and political parties “to maintain calm and stand united against such forces that seek to divide and destabilize our region”.

Reiterating that the government or the people of J&K will not be shaken by such cowardly acts of violence, the Council of Ministers urged every resident to remain united, vigilant and resilient and “Let us reject fear and division and reaffirm our commitment to peace, unity, and the timeless spirit of harmony and shared resilience that defines our land”.

The Council of Ministers expressed profound grief and outrage over the tragic loss of innocent lives and the injuries sustained by civilians in this “barbaric and cowardly act” and unequivocally condemned this “senseless act of terror, which constitutes a direct assault on peace, unity and the democratic values cherished by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

It said that the government stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the victims and reaffirms its steadfast commitment towards ensuring justice, strengthening security and upholding the indomitable spirit of brotherhood and resilience that defines J&K. It emphasized the Government’s firm determination to support in bringing the perpetrators of this horrific act to justice and take all necessary steps to safeguard the life and liberty of every citizen. As a mark of respect, a two-minute silence was observed during the meeting.

The Chief Minister has also convened an all-party meeting at Srinagar’s lakeside Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) at 3 pm on Thursday “to discuss the situation, express our joint condemnation of the act of terror and deliberate on the path ahead in ensuring peace, justice and resilience.”

In identical letters to the leaders and representatives of various mainstream political parties, the Chief Minister has said that he was writing to them with a heavy heart in the aftermath of the horrific attack. “The lives lost, and the anguish inflicted upon innocent citizens have deeply shaken us all,” the letter said, adding that it is not merely a tragedy for a region or a party, but a wound inflicted upon the very soul of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said, “In 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 letter further states, “I extend this invitation not just in my official capacity, but as a friend and a 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.”