Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his concern over recent terrorist incidents. He highlighted that the people of Kashmir came forward to declare their non-support, openly protesting after the Pahalgam attack. Abdullah questioned the limited discussion in national media about the victims of cross-border firing and described the drone activities in Srinagar-Jammu as unprecedented. An exclusive interview with India Today TV's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai.
Rajdeep Sardesai:
First the Pahalgam attack, then Operation Sindoor, followed by cross-border firing. How did your state cope during these two challenging weeks?
Omar Abdullah:
The events of the past two weeks were unexpected. The Pahalgam incident was sudden. For four to five years, Jammu & Kashmir experienced peace, which was shattered unexpectedly. Pakistan's retaliatory firing to India's actions affected previously secure areas. We lost over 100 people in border regions like Poonch and Uri.
Moreover, seeing Pakistani drones over areas like Jammu was unprecedented since the 1971 war.
Rajdeep Sardesai:
The terrorists in Pahalgam tried to create divides between Hindus and Muslims. Has this increased anger among Kashmiris?
Omar Abdullah:
There's no doubt about the anger. People protested spontaneously, without leadership. It wasn't a government or political party move but a pure public reaction. People in Srinagar, villages, and other districts came out, voicing their disapproval of such violence.
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People have made it clear that the attacks, done in our name, do not represent our thoughts. We don't want this, and it won't be tolerated.
Rajdeep Sardesai:
Has the killing of innocents increased anger towards Pakistan? Do people feel Pakistani-sponsored terrorism has taken a toll on the state?
Omar Abdullah:
The absence of outrage would have meant people stayed indoors. No one forced them to protest. However, while the Pahalgam attack attracting attention with 26 deaths, cross-border firing casualties remain under-discussed nationally.
In these attacks, we lost Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus. We lost a BSF soldier. Temples, gurdwaras, and madrasas were targeted. Yet, on a national level, they received minimal discussion.
Rajdeep Sardesai:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified that India will not only target terrorists but also those who aid them. Do you support this policy?
Omar Abdullah:
Which Indian wouldn't? Peaceful individuals will support this. Previously, it led to surgical strikes post-Uri, and it will continue with Pulwama and Balakot. This is the third phase.
Rajdeep Sardesai:
Will this policy impact Pakistan-based terrorism?
Omar Abdullah:
I cannot predict Pakistan's stance but hope this will deter them.
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Rajdeep Sardesai:
Another concerning aspect is local support for terrorists during attacks, from Pahalgam to Pulwama. Do you think this local structure is weakening?
Omar Abdullah:
While I’m not here for political debates, I’ll mention the previous local support has significantly diminished. Many in Jammu & Kashmir protested against these attacks, representing one of the rarest occurrences in the last 35 years. It's an opportunity we shouldn't lose.
