Did those who sought to instill fear fail?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Farooq Abdullah's visit symbolizes resilience in the face of fear.
- Solidarity with victims and their families is vital.
- Media should promote unity rather than divisiveness.
- The government is taking decisive action against terrorism.
- Collective spirit is essential for national progress.
New Delhi, May 3 (NationPress) The President of the J&K National Conference (NC), Farooq Abdullah, made a visit to Pahalgam, Kashmir, on Saturday to engage with tourists and show support for the victims of the tragic terror attacks on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly civilians.
"I am genuinely pleased to be here in Pahalgam. I was heartened to see visitors from Maharashtra who, despite the recent events, conveyed their lack of fear. They stated, 'We have come to stand with our fellow citizens.' I also interacted with their children, even the youngest, who expressed, 'We are not afraid.' This is a profound message to those responsible for this heinous act,” the NC president shared with IANS, accompanied by party officials and local leaders.
The NC chief criticized the “divisive rhetoric” propagated by certain news channels, stating that some media outlets foster hatred rather than unity.
“They share in the responsibility for the discord. It is essential to embrace India’s collective spirit; if India advances, everyone thrives, irrespective of language or region. I urge the negative channels to cease this harmful narrative, or they will face obsolescence. The nation will progress, and such divisiveness will be eradicated,” asserted the senior Abdullah.
As part of his visit, the three-time J&K Chief Minister also met the family of Adil Hussain Shah, a pony handler who was among the victims. He assured the grieving family of unwavering support, stating: “We must realize and fulfill all their aspirations. Whatever dreams their son held, we should strive to advance them. Our only fear is of Allah, and we seek His strength to move forward.”
NC MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani also provided financial assistance to Shah’s family by donating a portion of his salary.
The April 22 attack, attributed to terrorists, has sparked nationwide condemnation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his initial comments, stated that the terrorists, their operators, and supporters would be “pursued to the ends of the earth.”
He has granted comprehensive operational authority to security personnel to respond to the killings.
In a decisive response to terror networks, security forces have ramped up operations, including the demolition of properties owned by identified terrorists. Last Friday, two residences belonging to LeT terrorists Adil Hussain Thokar and Asif Sheikh were destroyed.