July 29, 2025: Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, stated on Monday that the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and the alleged intelligence failure surrounding it should have been discussed in Parliament prior to the Operation Sindoor debate.

Speaking to the media in Jammu, Omar said, “The government had earlier announced that Operation Sindoor would continue until peace is fully restored in J&K. If this has been reiterated in Parliament, it is not something new. Although the discussion of Operation Sindoor is encouraging, it would have been more appropriate to concentrate on the Pahalgam attack first.

Omar emphasized that Parliament must also deliberate on this matter, referring to the recent admission by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of intelligence and security flaws in the Pahalgam attack. He stated, "There should be a discussion to identify those responsible for the failures." Additionally, the chief minister responded to earlier reports of a counterterror operation in Srinagar.

The encounter resulted in the deaths of three militants, and security personnel have a suspicion that at least one of them was involved in the Pahalgam attack. "It is good if it is confirmed. Our police, army, and paramilitary forces have been pursuing the attackers ever since the Pahalgam attack. Even if one of them has been killed in this encounter, it is good news,” Omar added.

Omar responded, "We are expecting some announcement regarding statehood in this Parliament session," in response to the Congress party's announcement that it would organize protest demonstrations to demand Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Let's see what comes of it. If nothing comes out of it, we’ll decide our next steps. I won’t go on a strike during the session.”

In addition, the CM stated that he has always supported dialogue between India and Pakistan, but that Pakistan must recognize its role in the process. “I have been saying that making the environment conducive to dialogue is not the sole responsibility of India, despite the fact that we have always favored talks with Pakistan. Pakistan needs to understand its responsibility and create an atmosphere for dialogue to start," Omar said.

He was responding to a question regarding Mehbooba Mufti, president of the PDP, once more advocating for dialogue with Pakistan. "Attacks of the kind of Pahalgam weaken individuals like us who support dialogue with Pakistan." We would like Pakistan to play a role in creating a conducive atmosphere, which would not only help start a dialogue, but also ensure that the talks reach a conclusion," the chief minister said.