J&K CM Omar Abdullah holds Cabinet meet in Pahalgam, vows to revive tourism post-terror strike

More than a month after a major terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a Cabinet meeting at the famed tourist resort on Tuesday. The move is seen as a strong message that “tourism should remain a conflict-neutral activity.”

Starting from Tuesday, Abdullah is holding key meetings at the prominent tourist resorts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg, after the tourism in Kashmir nearly coming to a halt following the terror attack in Pahalgam and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

On Tuesday morning, Omar and his ministers arrived in Pahalgam and held a cabinet meeting.

“Chaired a Cabinet meeting at Pahalgam today. It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message, we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror. The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu & Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid,” Omar said on X.

Addressing a press conference in Pahalgam, Omar remarked tourism should remain a conflict-neutral activity and an economic activity.

“It is a means of livelihood for thousands. Unfortunately, it often gets entangled with politics. We are trying to insulate tourism from the conflict,” he said.

“We want the world to see Jammu and Kashmir tourism as an economic activity. We will also try to bring tourism slowly back to Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Kashmir…,” the Chief Minister said.

He added, “I know that these last 5-6 weeks have not been easy for the country. But Jammu and Kashmir has suffered the most. We will take the necessary steps to come out of these difficult times. I believe that we will get the support of the central government.”

This was the first time that a cabinet meeting under the current administration was held outside the traditional seats of Srinagar and Jammu, he said.

“We came here to show that violence will not deter our agenda of development and people’s representation,” Omar said.Following a security audit, Abdullah said, tourist destinations deemed safe will be reopened. “Should have to show some courage here, but the time has come to review the restricted list.”

He said the Centre is taking concrete steps regarding revival of tourism in J-K. “I got a chance to sit and talk to the Prime Minister and how tourism can be revived again in Jammu and Kashmir. There were some talks on that. I can't share it in front of everyone right now. But some concrete steps will be taken from the centre,” he said, referring to his Delhi visit last week, to attend the Niti Aayog meet.

On visitor safety, Abdullah said it requires cooperation between the elected government, the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Centre.

He also mentioned ongoing discussions to support those in the tourism industry who have suffered financially and said the administration is keen on participating in upcoming travel fairs. He added that the government is hoping for a “successful culmination of the Amarnath Yatra.”

“We are also focusing on attracting tourists from West Bengal during the Puja holidays. That will be one of our main areas of promotion,” he said.

During his visit, Omar also met the locals delegation and those associated with the tourism industry including tour operators.