Punish guilty, don't alienate people, says Omar Abdullah

Indian merchants snap trade ties with Pakistan, condemn Pahalgam terror attack; people in J&K unitedly deplore the terror attack

- 

J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said on Sunday that the country must wage a decisive fight against terrorism, but cautioned against alienating innocent people.\

"After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people, they did this freely and spontaneously," the Chief Minister wrote on X.

He added that it's time to build on this support and avoid any misplaced action that alienates people.

"Punish the guilty, show them no mercy but don't let innocent people become collateral damage," he said.

Omar Abdullah voiced concerns on the targeting of Kashmiris outside J&K.

The Chief Minister has already deputed his cabinet colleagues to different states outside to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and businessmen.

Governments of different states have assured complete support to Kashmiris living outside and also opened helplines to facilitate access to Kashmiris.

The terror attack at Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam on April 22 left 26 civilians dead, including 25 tourists and a local.