J&K govt., Raj Bhavan, Centre need to work in tandem to ensure Pahalgam-like attack is not repeated: Omar

The Hindu

28-05-2025

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who chaired a meeting of administrative secretaries and head of departments at Gulmarg on Wednesday (May 28, 2025), said the J&K government, the Raj Bhavan and the Centre have to work in tandem to ensure that Pahalgam-like incident does not take place again.
Mr. Abdullah has rolled out a major initiative to attract tourists. After chairing a Cabinet and tour operators meeting in Pahalgam, Mr. Abdullah chose Gulmarg in Baramulla district to hold another meeting of top officials on Wednesday. 'I can promote tourism and create infrastructure to ensure tourists come and have a good visit. But the security for the tourist currently resides within the powers of the J&K Lieutenant Governor. The three sets of powers – J&K government, the Centre and the Raj Bhavan – need to coordinate to ensure the April 22-like attacks don't take place,' Mr. Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister rued the security agencies decision to continue to keep destinations and destinations-within-destinations out of bounds for tourists in Kashmir. Around 48 tourist destinations were barred for tourists in Kashmir after the April 22 attack, which left 26 civilians dead.
'Doodhpathri (in Budgam) is closed for tourists. There are smaller destinations within destinations like Gulmarg's Outer Circular Road and Tangmarg's Drung that remain closed. Pahalgam's parks like the Betaab valley are closed. Such initiatives became inevitable after April 22 but need to be reviewed and destinations need to be re-opened. This will help restore tourism,' Mr. Abdullah said.
He highlighted that people's spontaneous response to the attack was of strong condemnation. 'People came out to protest against the attack. No Kashmiri was involved in the attack. People hit the roads to say 'Not in our name',' the Chief Minister said.
He said the government will encourage students to resume picnics and excursions to the tourist destination. 'We want to send a clear message that Jammu & Kashmir is open for tourism. The silence that followed the attack affected the region. Our presence here is a step toward making these places lively again,' Mr. Abdullah said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister and top officials reviewed readiness for Eid-ul-Azha, Mela Kheer Bhawani, Amarnath Yatra and Muharram during the Gulmarg meeting.
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti has sought intervention of the Chief Minister to ensure restructuring of bank loans for those involved in the tourism sector.
'Tourism has suffered a severe setback following the unfortunate incident in Pahalgam leading to significant losses for those whose livelihoods depend on it. I met a group of young Kashmiri tourist transporters who are deeply worried about being declared loan defaulters with the risk of their vehicles being seized. I urge the Hon'ble Chief Minister to intervene by ensuring that banks defer and restructure loan instalments to provide much-needed relief during this challenging time,' Ms. Mufti said in a post on X.