In a major breakthrough, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have uncovered an inter-state and transnational terror module linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), an al-Qaeda-affiliated group active across Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation has led to the recovery of 2,900 kilograms of bomb-making material, including 350 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, timers, weapons, and ammunition from multiple locations, including a hospital locker near Delhi.

The recoveries were made following coordinated raids across Srinagar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Shopian, and Faridabad (Haryana) by J&K Police and central intelligence agencies. Investigators say the network represents a growing trend of “white-collar radicalisation,” with several professionals, including doctors, allegedly working under the direction of handlers in Pakistan and other countries.

Explosives and Weapons Found Near Delhi

The investigation began after the arrest of Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather, a doctor from Kulgam, accused of putting up posters supporting Jaish-e-Mohammed in Srinagar on 27 October 2025. CCTV footage from the area led to his arrest in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in a joint operation by J&K and UP Police.

During questioning, Rather revealed information leading to Faridabad, where police recovered 350 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, 20 electronic timers, a pistol, three magazines, a walkie-talkie set, and an assault rifle. The materials were found at the residence of Dr. Mujammil Shakeel, a Pulwama native employed at Al-Falah Hospital, and inside Rather’s hospital locker at the Government Medical College, Anantnag.

Faridabad Police Commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta confirmed the seizure and said forensic teams were examining the explosive material, believed to be used for manufacturing IEDs. The explosives were initially feared to be RDX before forensic analysis identified them as ammonium nitrate.

Both doctors were arrested and booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act. A woman doctor from the same hospital has also come under scrutiny after police discovered an assault rifle inside her car.

Arrests Across Jammu & Kashmir

According to intelligence sources, at least seven people have been arrested so far. In addition to Dr. Rather and Dr. Shakeel, the others are Arif Nisar Dar, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar from Srinagar; Molvi Irfan Ahmad from Shopian; and Zameer Ahmad Ahanger from Ganderbal.

The police said these individuals were part of a broader radicalised network that not only disseminated propaganda such as pro-JeM posters but also participated in logistical operations, including weapons storage and coordination with handlers abroad.

Investigators recovered incriminating documents, booklets on IED assembly, and a large cache of guns and ammunition, including an Italian-made Beretta pistol and a Russian-made Krinkov assault rifle, a compact variant of the AK-74.

2,900 kg of Explosives and Bomb-Making Materials

Officials said that across all linked locations, a total of nearly 2,900 kilograms of IED-making materials were recovered. This includes explosives, chemicals, electronic circuits, remote-control devices, wires, batteries, and timers. More than one-third of this haul – the 350 kg ammonium nitrate was recovered from Faridabad.

Authorities believe this stockpile was part of an ongoing effort to prepare for coordinated terror strikes, though the precise targets and timelines remain under investigation.

Senior police officials said the cache’s proximity to the national capital poses a serious security concern, and agencies are examining how such a large quantity of explosives was transported and stored undetected.

Pakistan-Based Network and Handlers

Sources told NDTV that intelligence inputs point to Pakistani handlers directing these operatives via encrypted communication platforms. These handlers are believed to be coordinating multiple modules within India, providing both ideological guidance and operational instructions.

Recent intelligence assessments have highlighted a renewed mobilisation by Pakistan-backed groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, to intensify infiltration and cross-border logistics in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack in April 2025.

Reports have also indicated that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been engineering a covert alliance between Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), particularly within Balochistan, to expand terror operations against India.

White-Collar Radicalisation: A New Threat

Officials said the involvement of medical professionals including doctors, represents a troubling trend of “white-collar terror,” where educated individuals are radicalised online or through ideological indoctrination and then recruited into terror networks.

Authorities are also tracking the flow of funds to and from these operatives and their backers abroad. According to investigators, both doctors were allegedly in touch with ISI-linked intermediaries in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and had been communicating via secure, encrypted messaging applications.

This news comes at the heels of the Gujarat ATS arresting three members including an MBBS doctor for allegedly conspiring to carry out mass-casualty terrorist attacks across India. The suspects were apprehended while supplying sophisticated weapons and were in the advanced stages of producing Ricin, a deadly chemical poison.

(Source: NDTV)

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On the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, the valley was normal as it was a day like any other.

Rumours and counter-rumours battled in the minds of locals as WhatsApp groups went agog with speculations of statehood restoration or further division of the UT. The grapevine has always had strong elements of credibility in Kashmir.

Rumours have, most of the time, remained ahead of hard news, and this is the main reason that the rumour mill starts moving fast as events on the occasion provide grist to the fertile minds of the rumour mongers.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on X that he would stick his neck out to bet that nothing bad was going to happen on August 5. He hastened to add that nothing good was expected today. The calling of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the President, followed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, plus a high-level meeting in Delhi to discuss the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of August 5, the day when six years ago J&K lost its special status, gave fuel to speculations.

Those in power, including the National Conference supporters, said a bill would be tabled in Parliament to restore statehood to JK. Detractors said JK was in for another division that would give statehood to the Jammu division and retain the Valley as a UT without a legislature.

Everybody claimed to know what he said without any material basis except speculation. Those proclaiming to be Kashmir experts said nothing should be done in haste, as the prevailing peace needed to be consolidated.

Others claiming to be on-ground reporters said any further division of J&K would fuel further alienation among the youth. The common man started worrying about the availability of food and medicine if anything big development takes place, while the affluent ones topped the fuel tanks of their private cars and SUVs.

While rumours have their place in Kashmir and this space gets credibility the moment an official denial is issued, the good news is that Kashmir rose normally on Tuesday, school buses came to collect children, shops and transport started as usual with office goers rushing through a modest breakfast to reach places of duty on time.

Except for some preventive house arrests to maintain law and order on the 6th anniversary of 5 August 2019, everything started normally in the Valley as it was business as usual. Better luck to rumour mongers next time, they at least keep idle minds busy so that these don’t become the devil’s workshop.

-IANS

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The operation against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its 4th day on 4th August as intermittent overnight firing continued in the Akhal forest area of the district.

Officials said intermittent firing and blasts continued in the forest area of the district. Joint forces, including the Army, CRPF and J&K Police, have extended the area under the CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) as officers are closely monitoring the situation.

One terrorist has been killed and another critically injured in this operation so far, while four soldiers have sustained injuries. The Army has deployed Rudra helicopters, drones and Para commandos to ensure that the hiding terrorists are unable to escape. Security forces have been carrying out aggressive operations against the terrorists in the hinterland, while the Army has been on maximum alert guarding the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.

The elimination of three hardcore Pakistani terrorists responsible for the 22 April Pahalgam attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, is part of the aggressive operations being carried out by the joint forces. Three hardcore Pakistani terrorists, including LeT commander Suleman Shah and his two associates Abu Hamza and Jibran Bhai, responsible for the Pahalgam attack, were killed on 28 July in the higher reaches of Dachigam National Park at the foot of Mahadev mountain peak in the Harwan area of Srinagar.

The Army code-named this operation as ‘Operation Mahadev’. After the Pahalgam terror attack, the security forces are carrying out anti-terrorist operations against gun-wielding terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers. Drug smugglers and drug peddlers are also on the radar of the security forces because it is believed that the funds generated by the hawala money racket and drug smuggling are finally used to sustain terrorism in the union territory. The coordinated and intelligence-backed operations of the joint forces are aimed at dismantling the ecosystem of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir rather than focusing on just the elimination of the gun-wielding terrorists.

-IANS

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After the Yatris were allowed to move towards the holy cave shrine from Baltal base camp on 31 July 2025, the annual Amarnath Yatra 2025 has crossed the four-lakh mark. J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board (SAAB), shared the information on his X handle.

“Baba Amarnath makes the impossible, possible. With his blessings, the Holy Yatra today crossed the figure of 4 Lakh. I bow to Lord Shiva for this miracle and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making the holy pilgrimage a divine experience for devotees,” he posted on X.

He said this godly expedition was “incomparable not because it’s arduous and challenging but because it’s an inimitable journey into pure bliss”. “It’s a spiritual experience & gives an opportunity to devotees to know themselves & offers deep trust & fills their hearts with infinite gratitude,” the L-G further wrote in the post.

The L-G said the record number of darshans and the arrival of devotees from across the country and the globe were a testament to India’s unity and its resolve to overcome the challenges. “I am truly thankful to the devotees, who have shown immense faith and strengthened our priceless spiritual heritage,” he said.

Baba Amarnath makes the impossible, possible. With his blessings, the Holy Yatra today crossed the figure of 4 Lakh. I bow to Lord Shiva for this miracle and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making the holy pilgrimage a divine experience for devotees.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) July 31, 2025

The movement of Yatris from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu was suspended this morning due to the maintenance of the track from Pahalgam to the cave shrine, but later in the day, devotees were allowed to move towards the cave shrine from Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district.

This year’s Yatra has witnessed a large rush of devotees as it takes place in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, in which 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, were killed by Pakistan-backed three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists.

All three hardcore Pakistani terrorists, including Suleman Shah and his two associates, Abu Hamza and Jibran Bhai, were killed by the joint forces on July 28 in Operation Mahadev in the upper reaches of the Dachigam national park in Srinagar.

Yatris approach the cave shrine either from the traditional Pahalgam route or through the shorter Baltal route. Those undertaking the trek from the Pahalgam side take four days to reach the cave shrine, while those using the Baltal base camp return to the base camp the same day after having the darshan.

The cave shrine situated at 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

This year’s Yatra started on July 3 and will end on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festival. The fact that four lakh devotees have performed the Yatra this year so far is proof of the victory of faith over terror.

-IANS

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In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has stayed the enforcement of provisions under the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, 2009, when Omar Abdullah was the Chief Minister of the state, that mandated knowledge of Urdu as a compulsory qualification for the post of Naib Tehsildar.

The order was issued by a CAT Bench comprising Rajinder Dogra and Ram Mohan Johri while hearing a petition filed by Rajesh Singh and others. The Tribunal directed the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (SSB) to accept applications from candidates who possess a Graduation degree along with knowledge of any one of the five official languages recognized under the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020 — namely Hindi, Kashmiri, English, Dogri, and Urdu.

Senior Advocate Abhinav Sharma, assisted by Advocate Abhirash Sharma, appeared for the petitioners. Additional Advocate Generals Rajesh Thappa and Sudesh Magotra, along with Deputy Advocate General Hunar Gupta, represented the Union Territory administration.

The Tribunal, while passing the interim order, observed that the exclusive requirement of Urdu knowledge in the 2009 recruitment rules appeared prima facie discriminatory in light of the updated linguistic framework provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020.

“This court hereby stays the operation of the relevant provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules of 2009, insofar as they mandate Graduation with knowledge of Urdu as the minimum qualification for the post of Naib Tehsildar”, the Bench stated in its order.

The Tribunal has also issued notices to the respondents, directing them to file their replies within four weeks. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on August 13, 2025.

(With inputs from Daily Excelsior)

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During the 9 days since it started on July 3, so far 1.63 lakh Yatris have performed the Amarnath Yatra, even as another batch of 6,639 pilgrims left for Kashmir from Jammu on Saturday. Officials said that since the Yatra started on July 3, so far 1.63 lakh pilgrims had ‘darshan’ inside the holy cave shrine.

“Another batch of 6,639 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. “First escorted convoy of 116 vehicles carrying 2,337 Yatris left at 2.50 A.M. for Baltal base camp, while the second escorted convoy of 161 vehicles carrying 4,302 Yatris left at 3.55 A.M. for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,” officials said. Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on Thursday.

The Chhari Mubarak was taken to Pahalgam by a group of sadhus led by the sole custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam.

In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was held. The Chhari Mubarak will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, when the Yatra will officially conclude. Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them on the basis of faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police. Meanwhile, the Army has rolled out ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, deploying more than 8,500 troops alongside advanced surveillance and combat technology.

The Army said that a large-scale operation, launched in coordination with the civil administration and CAPFs is designed to provide a multi-layered security grid along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Army said that as part of the extensive deployment, a dedicated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) grid featuring over 50 C-UAS and EW (Electronic Warfare) systems has been positioned to counter drone-based threats.

“Live surveillance via UAVs (drones) and PTZ camera feeds is actively monitoring yatra convoys and the holy cave. Engineer task forces have been mobilised for infrastructure tasks like bridge laying, track widening, and landslide mitigation.

“The operation also includes over 150 doctors and paramedics, two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths backed by 2 lakh litres of oxygen adding that Signal companies, EME technical detachments, and Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads have also been deployed”.

All the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forces. This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to reach the cave shrine.

And, those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra. No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The Amarnath Yatra is one of the holiest religious pilgrimages for Hindu devotees, as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this cave.

–IANS

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As the 36-day-long Amarnath Yatra commenced, thousands of pilgrims from across the country converged in Jammu and Kashmir to undertake the pilgrimage and offer prayers at the revered Amarnath cave shrine.

Devotees expressed immense satisfaction with the arrangements made by the administration and praised the Indian Army for ensuring their safety during the pilgrimage. The first batch of Yatris began their journey from the Baltal base camp early Thursday morning, with another group departing from Pahalgam.

Meanwhile, the second batch of 5,246 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on Canal Road in Jammu for the Valley in two escorted convoys, underscoring the tight security measures in place. Speaking to IANS, pilgrims voiced their gratitude and joy over the seamless arrangements.

One devotee said, “I have been coming to Baba Barfani’s shrine continuously since 2019, and it feels wonderful every time. The arrangements made by the administration are excellent.” Another added, “The arrangements made by the government are praiseworthy. We are very happy.”

The turnout this year appears significantly larger than in past years. One pilgrim said, “When things were concerning around here, where terror attacks used to happen, very few people used to come for Yatra. But this time, people have come in large numbers.” Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that the journey, though inherently spiritual and not undertaken for comfort, has been made notably smoother this year.

“When one embarks on a pilgrimage, they do not see the comfort or discomfort. However, this time, the arrangements are very nice and incomparable to the previous years,” a devotee said. Appreciating the security forces, another Yatri said, “The Indian Army has made our travel easy. They are here for our security. Additionally, the arrangements made by the Centre and the J&K government are really nice.”

Another added, “The Indian Army and the administration have ensured that all the pilgrims are safe and can carry on with this holy Yatra without any concerns. I am thankful for everything.” The Yatra was officially flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday from Jammu. Authorities have implemented an unprecedented security plan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. To ensure safety, an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed, supplementing the already extensive security apparatus comprising the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and J&K Police.

Pilgrims have been strictly advised to travel from Jammu to the Valley only as part of escorted convoys and have been warned against attempting the journey independently. The Yatra, which concludes on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, allows pilgrims to approach the sacred cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,888 metres either via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

The Pahalgam trek spans 46 km and takes four days, passing through Chandanwati, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. The Baltal route, a 14 km trek, allows pilgrims to return to the base camp on the same day. This year, in light of heightened security, helicopter services for pilgrims have been suspended. The shrine houses a naturally formed ice stalagmite believed to represent Lord Shiva, which waxes and wanes with the moon phases. Devotees revere the shrine as a powerful symbol of Shiva’s divine presence.

–IANS

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Supreme Court advocate Prashant Bhushan has long been a controversial figure in Indian public discourse. Once seen as a supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party and a fierce critic of the Congress-led UPA government particularly during the 2G and coal scam era. Bhushan later shifted roles to advising the same Congress party, raising eyebrows over his ideological consistency. Over the years, he has courted controversy not just for his legal activism, but also for his vocal stance on Kashmir, media narratives, and a soft corner for extremist elements, including Maoists.

What many might not know is that Bhushan has a history of taking positions on Kashmir that often align closely with Pakistan’s rhetoric from pushing for demilitarization to opposing infrastructure development and questioning counter-terror operations. Here’s a timeline of some of the most debated positions he has taken:

Advocating Plebiscite In Kashmir (2011)

At a press conference in Varanasi, Bhushan called for the repeal of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir, withdrawal of the Indian Army, and even a UN-backed plebiscite to determine if Kashmiris wanted to remain with India.

Implication? A plebiscite, as demanded by Pakistan for decades, would risk handing Kashmir to Pakistan. His remarks triggered public outrage, and he was even physically attacked at the event. Yet, this didn’t deter him from continuing with similar rhetoric.

Ouch, pic.twitter.com/5WS6J0kqKT

— Lady Khabri (@KhabriBossLady) September 26, 2024

Challenging The Chenab Railway Bridge (2013)

Bhushan filed a PIL in the Delhi High Court through the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), demanding a review of the alignment of the Katra-Banihal rail link, which includes the Chenab Railway Bridge—a critical infrastructure project aimed at connecting Kashmir with the rest of India.
Critics argue this caused delays in a strategic project vital for regional integration and security. Was this just about “public interest,” or was there an attempt to slow development in Kashmir?

Repeating Call To Withdraw Army From J&K (2014)

Bhushan again demanded the withdrawal of Indian forces from Kashmir, suggesting that the local population be “consulted” on the need for military presence. In a region facing continuous infiltration and terrorism, can the army be removed based on public sentiment alone?

Sympathizing For Terrorist Burhan Wani (2016)

After the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, Bhushan questioned whether it was a fake encounter. He implied that Wani was radicalized because his brother was allegedly beaten by security forces, appearing to justify his path toward terrorism. He allegedly said, “Wani’s brother was beaten by security forces, fueled radicalization in Burhan” and questioned, “What feeling would this have generated in a 15-year old boy seeing his brother being beaten up by security men?”

This drew heavy criticism, as many viewed it as undermining national security and rationalizing militancy.

Justifying Pulwama Suicide Bomber 2019

In a tweet following the Pulwama attack, where 40 CRPF personnel were martyred, Bhushan wrote that Adil Ahmad Dar became a terrorist after being beaten by troops, comparing the Kashmir situation to insurgencies in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Controversially Bhusan wrote, “Pulwama bomber Adil Ahmad Dar became terrorist after he was beaten by troops. It’s imp to understand why so many young men in Kashmir are becoming militants & willing to die. Even US forces couldn’t hold Afghanistan & Iraq after large-scale suicide attacks.”  

Many found this deeply insensitive, interpreting it as rationalizing terrorism and blaming Indian forces rather than the perpetrators.

Opposing Revocation Of Article 370 (2019)

Bhushan opposed the scrapping of Article 370, calling it “unconstitutional” and claiming that it required the consent of the J&K assembly. He also criticized the Supreme Court’s judgment on the matter. This position, again, mirrored Pakistan’s objections almost word for word.

In a post he stated, “Bifurcation of J&K requires consent of the elected assembly of the State. Also any amendment thru 370 to the subjects the Union can deal with in J&K, also requires consent of the J&K assembly. Can’t be done by just President or Governor’s consent. Unconstitutional .”

Pushing For Removal Of President’s Rule In J&K (2022)

Representing the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Bhushan filed a petition to lift President’s Rule in J&K, arguing that elections must be held. The move was seen by critics as an attempt to politicize security decisions in a sensitive border region.

Amplifying Foreign Misinformation (2024)

In 2024, Bhushan quoted Pakistani-sympathetic analyst Christopher Clary and responded to a dubious claim about Amit Shah’s alleged involvement in the assassination of Canadian Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, based on a controversial Washington Post article.

Bhushan tweeted, “Wow! The Canadian govt finds a link of Nijjar’s assassination with Amit Shah from intercepted communications! It should not surprise us though .” Even though Canada never confirmed such a link, Bhushan’s tweet lent credibility to an unverified, fake narrative.

The Core Question remains, why do Prashant Bhushan’s views on Kashmir consistently mirror the position of Pakistan? From opposing military presence to resisting infrastructure, to defending known terrorists and echoing foreign propaganda, Bhushan’s record reveals a pattern of detrimental to national interests. This post isn’t just about one person’s opinions—it raises deeper concerns about legal activism being used to push geopolitical narratives that may not align with India’s sovereignty and security priorities.

(This article is based on an X Thread By Starboy)

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In the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered what many have called a “powerful” speech in the Assembly. However, to understand the real message behind Abdullah’s words requires careful parsing of his rhetoric and placing it within the context of his established communication patterns. This analysis attempts to decode what was truly being conveyed beneath the emotional appeals and apparent restraint.

The Artful Construction Of Victimhood

Abdullah begins by establishing a shared trauma narrative: “Neither the Parliament nor any other assembly of this country understands the pain of those 26 people of Pahalgam as much as this assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.” Reading between the lines, this statement does more than express solidarity—it creates separation between J&K and the rest of India, positioning the region’s political class as unique authorities on terrorism.

By meticulously listing assembly members who have lost family members to terrorism, Abdullah subtly shifts the narrative from one of governance accountability to one of universal victimhood. This framing cleverly transforms political leaders from potential subjects of scrutiny into fellow sufferers, deserving of sympathy rather than questioning.

The Disclaimer That Speaks Volumes

The most revealing sentence in Abdullah’s entire speech may be this seemingly innocent disclaimer: “I did not have words to say what to apologize to their families, knowing that the security of Jammu and Kashmir is not the responsibility of the government elected by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Decode this statement and its true message emerges: while appearing to take moral responsibility, Abdullah is actually pointing a finger at the central government. Without naming names, he has effectively shifted the blame to New Delhi. This perfectly calibrated statement allows him to appear humble while simultaneously absolving his administration of responsibility—a masterful political maneuver hidden within an apparent admission of helplessness.

The Weaponization Of Public Sentiment

Abdullah’s focus on spontaneous public condemnation seems innocent enough: “From Kathua to Kupwara, there is hardly any city or village where people did not come out and condemn this attack.” Yet when decoded, this segment serves a sophisticated political purpose—it reframes Kashmir’s public as fundamentally anti-terrorism, while subtly suggesting that any security measures imposed by outside forces are unnecessary impositions on a population that already rejects violence.

His claim that “We made a vehicle ourselves, rode on it and took out a rally” reveals how quickly genuine public grief transforms into political capital. The message is clear: the Abdullah administration is not separate from the people but part of their organic response—a clever repositioning that blurs the distinction between government and governed, between those responsible for security and those demanding it.

The Non-Demand That Is Actually A Demand

Perhaps the most sophisticated rhetorical sleight of hand comes when Abdullah declares: “Shame on me if I go to Markaz today saying, 26 people have died, now give me statehood.”

When decoded, this ostentatious refusal to politicize tragedy accomplishes exactly what it claims to avoid. By mentioning statehood at all—even to declare he won’t demand it—Abdullah ensures the issue remains in the conversation. The message to his constituents is clear: I haven’t forgotten about statehood; I’m just being strategic about when to press for it. Meanwhile, to the broader Indian audience, he presents himself as refreshingly principled.

This single statement accomplishes four political objectives simultaneously:

1. It portrays Abdullah as morally superior to opportunistic politicians
2. It signals to his base that statehood remains a priority
3. It implicitly criticizes the central government’s handling of J&K’s status
4. It establishes moral high ground for more aggressive statehood demands in the future

The Unnamed Culprit

Reading between the lines reveals the most significant aspect of Abdullah’s speech: what remains unsaid. Neither Abdullah nor the Assembly resolution names any terrorist group or external state actor responsible for the attack. This conspicuous silence speaks volumes.

Instead, Abdullah notes this was the “biggest attack” in 21 years. The time reference is not accidental—it takes listeners back to a period before the current central government came to power. Without explicitly stating it, Abdullah has planted the suggestion that current central government policies have led to deteriorated security conditions.

Throughout the speech, Abdullah refers to nebulous forces behind the attack: “They say that they did it for our good” and “whoever you did this for, you did not do it for me.” This vague attribution avoids naming specific terrorist organizations or addressing their ideologies, motivations, or support networks.

This ambiguity allows various interpretations depending on the audience. Some might interpret it as referring to Pakistan-backed terrorists, while others might read it as criticizing heavy-handed security policies. This calculated ambiguity enables Abdullah to appear tough on terrorism while avoiding alienating any constituency.

The Master Of Dual Messaging

To fully decode Abdullah’s Pahalgam speech requires understanding his established pattern of delivering different messages to different audiences. His most famous precedent came during the Amarnath agitation in Parliament in 2008, where he spoke in both English and Urdu.

In English—aimed at mainstream India’s liberal intelligentsia—he delivered the reassuring message: “I am an Indian and I am a Muslim and I see no contradiction between the two.” This statement earned widespread acclaim across India.

However, in Urdu—targeted at his Kashmiri constituents but largely untranslated for national audiences—he declared: “Woh hamari zameen ka mudda tha, apne zameen ke liye lade, aur marte dum tak apne zameen ke liye ladenge, pilgrim camp nahin banne denge” (It is our land, we will fight till our last breath, we will not allow pilgrim camps to be built). This directly opposed the central government’s plan to improve accommodations for Hindu pilgrims.

Omar is expert at making such speeches. His most famous speech made in parliament during Amarnath agitation- he spoke in English and Urdu- in English he said everything that liberal intelligentsia in the country wanted to hear – ‘I am an Indian and I am a Muslim and I see no…

— Sunanda Vashisht (@sunandavashisht) April 28, 2025

What mainstream commentators praised as a speech about national unity was simultaneously a speech about territorial resistance for his local audience. This sophisticated dual-messaging strategy—what one observer called “English for the useful idiots, Urdu for his people in Kashmir”—reveals Abdullah’s political sophistication.

The Pahalgam speech follows this established pattern. What appears as an apolitical expression of grief to casual listeners contains carefully encoded political messages for those who know how to decode them.

Reading between the lines reveals Abdullah’s true message: the central government has failed in its security responsibilities, J&K deserves statehood, and the Abdullah administration shares the people’s pain rather than responsibility for their protection. All this is communicated without a single explicit political demand or accusation.

The breathless commentary praising the speech’s “powerful” and “apolitical” nature demonstrates precisely how effective this strategy is. What appears as emotional authenticity to casual observers contains layers of political positioning visible only to those who parse each sentence carefully.

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The post Pahalgam Terror Attack: Reading Between The Lines Of J&K CM Omar Abdullah’s Speech In Assembly appeared first on The Commune.