Omar Abdullah Meets PM Modi: Discusses Pahalgam Attack

NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a significant development following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on May 3, 2025, to discuss the security situation and the aftermath of the attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. The 30-minute meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, marked their first interaction since the incident and underscored the urgency of addressing terrorism in the region. This comprehensive report delves into the details of the meeting, its implications, and the broader context of the Pahalgam attack, drawing from official statements and reliable sources.

The Meeting: A Focus on Security and Solidarity

The meeting between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, leader of the National Conference (NC), and Prime Minister Modi was described as “timely and significant” by NC chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq. Abdullah briefed the Prime Minister on the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the “deep sense of grief and outrage” felt by the people of the Union Territory following the attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam. The attack, which targeted civilians in a popular tourist destination, was condemned unanimously by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on April 28, 2025, in a resolution that described it as an assault on “the very soul of India.”

Abdullah conveyed the unprecedented unity among Kashmiris in condemning the violence, noting spontaneous public outrage as a potential turning point in the fight against terrorism. In a statement on April 28, he remarked, “The spontaneous public outrage after the Pahalgam attack is an indication that terrorism may end soon in Jammu and Kashmir.” He also clarified that he would not use the tragedy to push for statehood restoration, focusing instead on security and justice for the victims.

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The discussions covered key issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, with a particular emphasis on the recent developments post-attack. The National Conference highlighted the meeting’s focus on the Pahalgam incident, with the party’s official X account posting, “Honourable Chief Minister J&K Omar Abdullah called on the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and discussed various issues, including last week’s Pahalgam Terror Attack.”

Context: The Pahalgam Terror Attack

On April 22, 2025, a meticulously planned terror attack in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, often dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its scenic meadows, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and one local pony rider, Syed Hussain Shah. The Resistance Front, a shadow group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility, with agencies suspecting Saifullah Kasuri, a deputy chief of LeT and aide to Hafeez Saeed, as the mastermind. The attack shattered the narrative of normalcy in Kashmir, where tourism had surged to 3.5 million visitors in 2024, and exposed vulnerabilities in security arrangements.

The attack prompted a swift response from the Indian government. Prime Minister Modi, who cut short a visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22, held an emergency meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other officials. On April 29, Modi granted the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to decide the mode, targets, and timing of the response, affirming India’s resolve to deliver a “crushing blow to terrorism.”

India also implemented stringent diplomatic measures against Pakistan, which it accused of supporting the attack. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, banning Pakistani ships from Indian waters, and reducing diplomatic presence. Pakistan retaliated with reciprocal measures, escalating tensions and leading to ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) for nine consecutive nights by May 2, 2025.

Omar Abdullah’s Stance and Role

As Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has been vocal about the need for a decisive fight against terrorism. In an emotional address to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on April 28, he expressed personal remorse as the Tourism Minister, stating, “I invited these people to come here. Being the host, it was my responsibility to send them back safely. I could not send them back.” He highlighted the attack’s impact on the region’s psyche, noting, “Baisaran has created the same situation when we feel where the next attack will be.”

Abdullah also urged the nation not to view Kashmiris as enemies, emphasizing their solidarity with the victims. “The people of Kashmir came out and voiced that they were not involved and that the attack was not on their behalf,” he said, addressing reports of harassment faced by Kashmiris in other states. His attendance at the funeral of Syed Hussain Shah on April 23 further underscored his commitment to communal harmony.

Notably, Abdullah was excluded from a security review meeting chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah in Srinagar on April 8, 2025, highlighting tensions between the elected government and New Delhi, which retains significant control over Jammu and Kashmir’s security affairs. Analysts suggest this reflects the Modi government’s approach to Kashmir’s security as primarily a foreign policy issue tied to Pakistan, rather than one requiring local input.

Broader Implications

The Pahalgam attack has reignited debates about the Modi government’s Kashmir policy. Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the government has promoted tourism as evidence of normalcy, but critics, including Abdullah, had warned that high tourist numbers do not equate to peace. The attack, described as the largest targeting civilians in recent years, has exposed complacency in security measures, with analyst Praveen Donthi noting that militants had previously spared tourists due to their economic importance.

The meeting between Abdullah and Modi signals a collaborative effort to address the crisis, despite political differences. The National Conference’s support for a firm response aligns with the broader political consensus, as evidenced by an all-party meeting on April 24, where leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, backed the government’s actions while urging Modi’s direct involvement.

Internationally, the attack drew condemnation from leaders like US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who expressed solidarity with India. However, calls for de-escalation from the US and UK reflect concerns about a potential India-Pakistan conflict, given both nations’ nuclear capabilities.

Looking Ahead

The Omar-Modi meeting is a critical step toward coordinating a response to the Pahalgam attack, with implications for Jammu and Kashmir’s security and India’s national strategy against terrorism. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, and counter-terrorism operations are underway in Kashmir. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is scheduled to meet again, indicating ongoing deliberations on retaliatory measures.

For Abdullah, the meeting reinforces his role as a bridge between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the central government, advocating for both security and the region’s dignity. For Modi, it underscores the need to balance a hardline stance against terrorism with domestic and international pressures for restraint.

As the nation mourns the victims of Pahalgam, the unity displayed by Kashmiris and the political establishment offers hope for a resolute response. Chief Ministers Era Magazine will continue to monitor developments, providing in-depth coverage of this pivotal moment in India’s fight against terrorism.