Pahalgam terror attack: India can't be a 'vishwa guru' through war, says J&K minister

NEW DELHI: In the wake of a devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that left 26 tourists dead, state minister Javed Ahmed Rana has issued a strong appeal for peace, urging the central government to avoid war if India is to become a 'Vishwa Guru'.

The minister’s remarks come at a time when tensions are running high following a directive from the Union Home Ministry, asking all states to identify Pakistani nationals within their borders and ensure they leave India within the assigned deadlines. The instructions were reportedly conveyed during a video conference chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan with state and Union Territory chief secretaries and DGPs. The Home Minister, Amit Shah, had earlier communicated similar instructions to the chief ministers.

However, Minister Rana voiced concern over the implications of such actions, especially for residents of Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that the ongoing turmoil cannot be resolved by asking people to leave.

"In Jammu and Kashmir, we have been struggling with proxy wars for the last 70 years, but the solution to it is not that the people staying here should be asked to leave. I will appeal to the PM and HM not to displace people from here," Rana said, adding, "War is not the solution to anything. A once-and-for-all settlement should be done. Wars weaken the countries. War should be avoided if we want our country to become a 'Vishwa Guru'."

The Pahalgam attack has shocked the nation, raising fresh concerns about tourism, security, and the safety of civilians in Kashmir.

The attack on innocent tourists has been widely condemned by leaders in India and around the world.