Kashmir Impulse Desk

Bijbehara, April 21 

Former chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday paid tribute to victims of last year’s Pahalgam attack, describing the incident as a major setback for the region.

Speaking to reporters in Bijbehara in south Kashmir, Abdullah, who heads the National Conference (NC), also remembered pony operator Syed Adil Shah, who was killed while trying to save tourists during the attack.

“I pay homage to all those who were killed, especially those who stood up against terrorism,” he said.

The April 22, 2025, attack in the Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam left 25 people dead and several others injured, dealing a blow to the region’s tourism-driven economy.

Abdullah was speaking after attending a commemorative event marking the 11th death anniversary of senior NC leader Abdul Gani Veeri, a close associate of party founder Sheikh Abdullah.

Describing Veeri as a loyal party worker, Abdullah urged unity within the party. 

“We must prioritise the party and not allow opponents to take advantage. Differences should be resolved internally,” he said.

On national politics, Abdullah said his party did not oppose women’s reservation, referring to legislation passed in 2023 that provides for greater representation of women in legislatures.

Commenting on international affairs, Abdullah said dialogue between Iran and the United States was essential for regional stability.

“There is no alternative to a peaceful resolution. Negotiations will ultimately lead to peace,” he said, warning that prolonged conflict could disrupt fuel supplies and drive up prices of essential commodities.

Abdullah said that sustained tensions could have wider economic consequences, underscoring the need for diplomacy to prevent escalation.