Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared Pakistan’s “inimical intentions” as the primary obstacle to a terror-free region, warning that India now views any terror attack as an act of war. Dismissing claims that the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 ended terrorism, Abdullah pointed to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, as evidence. “The BJP’s narrative that Article 370 caused terror is false. Pakistan’s intentions drive it,” he stated.

Abdullah urged Pakistan to reconsider its support for terrorism, noting India’s “very low bar” for deeming attacks as aggression. “Pakistan needs to think seriously about whether it wants to plunge the neighborhood into war,” he cautioned. On the Pahalgam attack, he welcomed Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s admission of a “security and intelligence failure” but called it insufficient. “Twenty-six innocent people were murdered. Accountability must be fixed, and heads must roll,” he demanded.

Despite the setback, Abdullah expressed optimism about reviving tourism, a vital part of J-K’s economy, emphasizing ongoing security audits of tourist spots. “We’ve never closed tourist destinations, even in the worst times,” he said, rejecting claims that the situation is worse than a decade ago. He advocated reopening closed areas post-Amarnath Yatra, signaling a push for normalcy. Abdullah highlighted his government’s efforts to promote tourism nationwide, noting the gradual return of visitors as a positive sign.

Also Read: Omar Abdullah Hails PM Modi for Greenlighting ₹10,637 Cr Road, Tunnel Projects in J&K

Also Read: Pakistan’s Deputy PM Defends TRF, Questions Pahalgam Attack Evidence