Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that a discussion on Pahalgam in Parliament is crucial and should take place even before the debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ to ensure accountability for the “security and intelligence lapse,” recently acknowledged by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Speaking on the issue of statehood and the J&K Congress’ proposed intensified campaign — including dharnas and hunger strikes across Jammu and Kashmir starting in August — he said he remains hopeful of some progress on statehood during the current Parliament session.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday responded to media queries after attending a Forest Department function at Abhinav Theatre in Jammu.
When asked about reports suggesting that one of the three terrorists killed in the Dachigam encounter was involved in the Pahalgam terror attack—and the mention of both that and ‘Operation Mahadev’ in Parliament—Omar said:
“So far, it’s not fully confirmed. If it is, that’s a positive development. Since April 22, 2025—the day of the Pahalgam attack—our security forces, including the Army, CAPFs, and Police, have been pursuing the perpetrators. If one of them has indeed been killed today, that’s a welcome step.”
He emphasized that counter-terror operations would continue until terrorism is fully eradicated.
“This operation has been ongoing since the Pahalgam attack. It will continue until peace is completely restored in Jammu and Kashmir. If this has been mentioned in Parliament, it’s not something new,” he added.
Omar said it was good that a debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ was taking place in Parliament but stressed the importance of discussing the Pahalgam incident first.
“The discussion on Operation Sindoor is fine. But what’s more important is a debate on the Pahalgam attack—especially since the Lieutenant Governor himself acknowledged that lapses in security and intelligence contributed to it. Parliament must thoroughly examine who is being held accountable for these failures. Operation Sindoor can be discussed afterward,” he stated.
He declined to comment on the remarks made by some opposition MPs during the ongoing debate in the Lok Sabha.
“I won’t comment on what’s being said inside Parliament. Let the government present its reply first; we will respond afterward,” he said.
Omar also refused to confirm reports suggesting a special session on statehood was being planned.
When asked about the Congress party’s planned hunger strike for statehood starting in August—and whether the National Conference would support it—he said:
“Let this Parliament session conclude first. We are hopeful something will come out of it regarding statehood. If not, then we’ll consider our next steps.”
He added,
“As long as this session continues, I won’t resort to any kind of strike. If there’s no progress on statehood by August 21—the end of the Parliament session—we’ll decide what to do then. So for now, I won’t comment on August 9.” (Media reports)
