'Punish the guilty, but protect the innocent': J&K CM Omar Abdullah as Pahalgam attack probe intensifies

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday called for action in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, urging authorities to "punish the guilty, but protect the innocent."
"After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. Punish the guilty, show them no mercy but don’t let innocent people become collateral damage," Abdullah wrote in a post on X, ensuring that innocent individuals are safeguarded.
The J&K chief minister noted that Kashmiris have independently and willingly voiced their opposition to terrorism and the killing of innocent people.

"People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people," he said.
"They did this freely and spontaneously," he added, urging authorities to build on this support and "avoid any misplaced actions that could alienate the people."
Security forces intensified operations after the Pahalgam attack, where terrorist opened fire on tourists at Baisaran meadow on April 22, killing 26 people, mostly tourists.
According to sources quoted by ANI, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the probe. NIA squads, positioned at the Pahalgam attack location since April 23, have intensified the search for evidence.
Meanwhile, the Army remains on high alert and is carrying out extensive search operations to track down the terrorists involved.
Authorities have proceeded with demolishing properties connected to terror suspects, including those belonging to Zakir Ahmad Ganie in Kulgam and LeT commander Shahid Ahmad Kuttay in Chotipora, Shopian.
Additional demolitions targeted properties of Adil Hussain Thoker (alias Adil Guree), Asif Sheikh in Awantipora, and Ahsan Sheikh in Pulwama.
Controlled demolitions were carried out to avoid damage to neighbouring houses, according to officials.
Earlier on Saturday, Abdullah deputed his cabinet ministers to various cities following reports of harassment targeting Kashmiri students and businesspersons in the aftermath of the attack.
The attack in Pahalgam has triggered intense public anger throughout India, leading to protests nationwide calling for more severe measures to be taken against Pakistan.