Omar's soul-stirring speech on Pahalgam

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the Pahalgam terrorist attack has shaken the entire country, but he would not use this occasion to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Omar was speaking in the special session of the J&K Assembly here to condemn the targeted terrorist attack. The resolution of condemnation was moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during the special session, which began with the members observing a two-minute silence to pay homage to those killed in the tragedy.

Referring to some members of the House who demanded restoration of statehood to defeat terrorism, Omar said "The security in Jammu and Kashmir is not in the hands of the UT's elected government. But I will not use this occasion to seek statehood. How can I push for statehood now? I do not believe in cheap politics", Omar said, winding up the discussion on a resolution unanimously passed on the Pahalgam terror attack in the legislative assembly.