Asaduddin Owaisi Condemns Pahalgam Attack, Calls for Strong Action and Highlights Blow to Kashmir Tourism

MP Asaduddin Owaisi

All India Majlis-e-Ittahadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, saying it has dealt a severe blow to the vital tourism industry in Kashmir and sought strong action against its perpetrators.

Talking to reporters after his arrival here, Owaisi said the Pahalgam terror attack has dealt a severe blow to the Kashmir tourist industry.

“It was a cowardly attack. We have seen how terrorists from Pakistan killed 26 tourists. The more disheartening is how they were killed by separating kids and women, and asking males about their religion, and those who couldn’t recite the Kalma. It has also affected Kashmir tourism, and hence, we want strong action to be taken against those who committed that terror attack,” he said.

He also highlighted the economic fallout of the attack on the livelihood of those dependent on tourism.

“The Pahalgam attack has deeply hurt the tourism industry in Kashmir. It is not just a security issue, but also an economic one,” he said.

Owaisi also raised concerns about the recent death of a youth in Kulgam district, calling for a transparent and time-bound investigation.

“There must be a thorough inquiry into the death of the Kulgam youth to ensure accountability,” he urged.

Responding to a question about the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), he said the Centre has put the treaty in abeyance. “There is an issue of the neutral expert and the court of arbitration in it; let’s see what happens.”

Owaisi has made a low-profile visit to Kashmir in April to attend a marriage ceremony in Srinagar. He was seen alongside senior AIMIM leader and former Member of Parliament, Imitiaz Jaleel, whose son got married into a well-known Kashmiri business family. The Valley’s chief cleric, Miwaiz Umar Farooq, solemnised the Nikkah at a modest gathering in Srinagar’s Nigeen.

Although the event was private, the photos shared by the Mirwaiz on social media gained significant attention.

The images showed him sitting alongside Owaisi. “A quiet moment of tradition in Srinagar @MirwaizKashmir solemnised a Nikah in Srinagar today with MP & @aimim_national chief @asadowaisi in attendance during his private visit to the Valley,” the Mirwaiz had said on X.

Asaduddin Owaisi Says “Modi and Kejriwal Are Two Sides of the Same Coin” During Delhi Campaign

Asaduddin Owaisi

The campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5 is in full swing. Political parties are holding large rallies, and AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has also joined the race. While campaigning for Shafa-ur-Rahman, AIMIM’s candidate from Okhla, Owaisi criticised Arvind Kejriwal and the BJP.

Owaisi said there isn’t much difference between Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “They are two sides of the same coin, both influenced by RSS ideologies—one from its shakhas and the other through its institutions,” he remarked.

Speaking at a rally in Shaheen Bagh, Owaisi questioned Kejriwal’s candidacy, saying, “If Kejriwal can spend six months in jail and still contest elections, then we will ensure Shafa wins even from inside prison.”

Owaisi further defended his party’s decision to field candidates with allegations against them, saying, “According to Indian law, our candidates, including Shafa-ur-Rahman, have every right to contest. Parliament has 250 members with serious allegations, including murder and assault. If they can run and win, why can’t we?”

In his fiery speech, Owaisi slammed critics, calling them shameless, and defended his party’s stance. AIMIM has fielded candidates in two constituencies—Okhla and Mustafabad.

Earlier, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also compared Kejriwal to PM Modi, accusing him of propaganda and making false promises.