In a strong message from the scenic resort of Pahalgam after holding a Cabinet meeting, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that violence will not derail J&K’s development agenda.
Omar chaired a special Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam on Tuesday, and it was the first Cabinet meeting that was held outside the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu.
“We did not come to Pahalgam merely to carry out administrative or governmental functions. We came here to show that the bloodshed and violence will not derail our agenda for the development, prosperity, and representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Omar said while addressing a press conference in Pahalgam.
He praised the people of Kashmir, especially those in Pahalgam, for their resilience.
“Through this meeting, we also wanted to express our gratitude and salute the people of Kashmir, especially the people of Pahalgam, for their courage, unity, and strong stand against violence,” he said.
Omar emphasized the need to keep tourism insulated from conflict
“Tourism should be a conflict-neutral activity,” he noted, calling it a vital means of livelihood. “Tourism is an economic activity for us. It is a means of earning money for people. Unfortunately, it has been involved in politics from time to time.”
Abdullah vowed that his government would continue efforts to protect and promote tourism purely as an economic enterprise.
“We want the world to see Jammu and Kashmir tourism as an economic activity,” he said. “We will try to start tourism in Jammu and Kashmir again.”
Omar said that the last 5-6 weeks have not been easy for the country and Jammu and Kashmir.
“Jammu and Kashmir has suffered the most. We have come out of this difficult time. … The government of Jammu and Kashmir will take the necessary steps ( for the revival of tourism) and I believe that we will get the support of the central government,” he said
Omar acknowledged the need for a fresh security audit of key tourist destinations in the region, which were closed following the April 22 terror attack in Baisran Pahalgam. He hinted at a possible reopening of select locations after thorough security assessments, stressing that fear must not define the region’s tourism future.
“After the attack in Baisaran, it was decided that we would have to do a security audit of some locations. After the audit, the locations that can be reopened should be reopened,” he said.
The chief minister said the list of 48 restricted destinations should now be reviewed and potentially reduced.
“We are talking about some parks in Pahalgam. We are talking about Betab Valley, Aru valley ( in Pahalgam) and Thajwas glacier (in Ganderbal)…I believe that if the Tulip Garden in Srinagar is shut then the whole Kashmir needs to be closed,” he remarked.
Omar said he believed they would have to be a little brave, and it is time to reduce the list of closed destinations.
He said that not only the locals but also tourists want the tourist destinations to be thrown open.
