Latest news with #CivilSecretariat
India Gazette
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"We are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror": CM Omar Abdullah after Cabinet meet in Pahalgam
Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 27 (ANI): As the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet held its meeting in Pahalgam on Tuesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said it was a 'clear message' to terrorists that 'enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve.' The cabinet meeting was held over a month after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, including one Nepali national, were brutally killed by terrorists. This is the first time that a Cabinet meeting was held outside Jammu or Srinagar, since his government took office. 'This morning, J&K cabinet meeting was convened in Pahalgam. Though we worked as per the agenda of our government, we did not have a cabinet meeting in Pahalgam for just an administrative or government function. The agenda of development and happiness in J-K, the agenda to represent the people in J-K will not stop due to bloodshed,' the Chief Minister said during a press conference. 'This is the first time this government has held a cabinet meeting outside Jammu or Srinagar,' he added. Posting about the meet on X, he said, '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.' CM Abdullah also thanked the people of Pahalgam for raising their voice against the bloodshed on April 22 when Pakistan-sponsored terrorists brutally killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Chief Minister said that the Cabinet also discussed tourism in the valley, as it is a big source of revenue for locals in Pahalgam. CM Abdullah said that a group of tour operators from Maharashtra are also in Pahalgam and will also be visiting Srinagar. 'Since we are in Pahalgam, tourism is also on our agenda.. A group of Maharashtra tour operators is here in Pahalgam. They will also visit Srinagar. What encourages us is that earlier the group was going to be of 20-25 people. But, around 60 tour operators from Maharashtra have come to see how the travel and tour industry can be resumed here... I want to thank these people...' The Pahalgam attack had severely affected the region's tourism, leading to widespread fear among visitors and a sharp decline in bookings and trips. The meeting addressed these concerns and reinforced the government's commitment to combating terrorism and reviving tourism in the area. Earlier, on May 15, responding to the challenges faced by the tourism sector after the terror attack, CM Abdullah chaired a meeting with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat. During the meeting, he assured stakeholders of the government's full support and pledged to consider their suggestions for reviving tourism in the region. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for a comprehensive tourism revival plan to be developed jointly with the Tourism Department after the conclusion of this year's Shri Amarnath ji Yatra. He proposed that the package include support for hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, handicrafts, and innovative initiatives like unique shopping festivals inspired by those in Dubai. Abdullah also expressed concern for small-scale entrepreneurs who have recently taken loans to invest in tourist taxis, deluxe minibuses, and guest accommodations, highlighting their vulnerability amid the downturn. The April 22 terror attack not only resulted in the tragic loss of life but also cast a long-term shadow on Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector, one of the key contributors to its economy. Many local businesses dependent on tourism have suffered heavy losses since the incident. (ANI)
India Gazette
27-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
In significant gesture, JK CM Omar Abdullah chairs cabinet meet in Pahalgam
Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 27 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government is holding a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam today, more than a month after a terror attack in the Baisaran valley on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The attack has severely affected the region's tourism, leading to widespread fear among visitors and a sharp decline in bookings and trips. The meeting aims to address these concerns and reinforce the government's commitment to combating terrorism and reviving tourism in the area. Visuals showed members of the Omar Abdullah cabinet arriving at the Pahalgam club for the special cabinet meeting. Earlier, on May 15, responding to the challenges faced by the tourism sector after the terror attack, he chaired a meeting with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat. During the meeting, he assured stakeholders of the government's full support and pledged to consider their suggestions for reviving tourism in the region. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for a comprehensive tourism revival plan to be developed jointly with the Tourism Department after the conclusion of this year's Shri Amarnath ji Yatra. He proposed that the package include support for hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, handicrafts, and innovative initiatives like unique shopping festivals inspired by those in Dubai. Abdullah also expressed concern for small-scale entrepreneurs who have recently taken loans to invest in tourist taxis, deluxe minibuses, and guest accommodations, highlighting their vulnerability amid the downturn. Despite the attack, Abdullah noted ongoing interest in Jammu and Kashmir as a tourism destination, mentioning enthusiasm for promotional activities and Familiarisation (FAM) tours. He assured stakeholders that he would raise the issue of financial support and interest relief directly with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and other senior central government officials. The special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam today is expected to further strengthen efforts to send a strong message against terrorism and violence in the Union Territory and boost the local economy reliant on tourism. The April 22 terror attack not only resulted in the tragic loss of life but also cast a long-term shadow on Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector, one of the key contributors to its economy. Many local businesses dependent on tourism have suffered heavy losses since the incident. (ANI)
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
PM Modi chairs key meeting to review, boost tourism sector
ANI 20 May 2025, 17:48 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired an important meeting in the national capital to review and improve India's tourism sector. This comes following the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which instilled fear among tourists. The Central government is pushing for boosting tourism in the Valley, The government is now working to bring back tourists to the region and encourage travel. The meeting focused on checking current plans and finding new ways to promote tourism across the country. Previously, on May 15, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had chaired a meeting on MAy 15 with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat. He held the meeting to discuss their concerns after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Chief Minister Abdullah assured the various stakeholders present at the meeting that the government is fully committed to supporting the sector and will carefully consider their valuable suggestions. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Elderly woman robbed of gold bangle in Zirakpur
May 08, 2025 09:00 AM IST An elderly woman was robbed of her gold bangles in Zirakpur on Wednesday morning. Police is scanning the CCTV footage and a hunt is on to nab accused, the station house officer said. (iStock) The victim has been identified as Madhu Sharma, 67, of Motia City. She is a retired superintendent from the Civil Secretariat, Haryana. The incident occurred when the victim was waiting for a bus to Solan. A Maruti Suzuki Swift stopped next to her. Two women, seated in the back, came out and started talking to her, claiming to know her. She, however, denied the familiarity. Despite the denial, they tried to hug her and during the scuffle managed to cut the victim's gold bangles. After which they pushed the victim out of the car and fled, running the car over her foot. According to the complainant, she fell onto the road. Later, some passersby called the police emergency number, but no personnel arrived at the scene. She later went to the police station and lodged a formal complaint, estimating the value of the stolen bangle at approximately ₹ 2.75 lakh. Station house officer Gagandeep Singh stated that CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed and assured that the culprits will be apprehended soon.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
J&K govt top brass returns to Srinagar after six month spell in Jammu
The Jammu and Kashmir government's top brass resumed functioning from the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on Monday after a six-month spell in Jammu, the winter capital. J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, marking the formal resumption of official work by ministers and administrative secretaries in Srinagar. The meeting was attended by all cabinet ministers and top government officials. Omar said that there is a need for a collective effort to ensure a smooth Amarnath Yatra without any inconvenience to the pilgrims. Omar on Saturday had a detailed meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, which was his first meeting with the PM. Omar, while sharing details of his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that the highest level in government of India wants to see that in no way should Pahalgam attack derail the process of governance and development in Jammu and Kashmir. 'That is our responsibility which we will have to take care of,' he said. The CM acknowledged the adverse impact of recent events on the tourism sector and said that there is a need for a collective effort to ensure a smooth Amarnath Yatra without any inconvenience to the pilgrims. Omar said that the civil administration has its own responsibilities which we will have to fulfil at any cost. The CM expressed hope that the inauguration of train to Kashmir —originally scheduled for April 19 but postponed due to inclement weather—would happen soon. 'The sooner we inaugurate the bridge and the train, the sooner the rumours will end and the rail will benefit us,' he said, adding that the efforts of the government should become visible in the coming six months in terms of governance, delivery of public services and overall improvement in functioning of the government across Jammu and Kashmir. Omar emphasised the need to start development activities, implementation of budget announcements and efficient governance amid current challenges. 'After six months, we are back to Srinagar Civil Secretariat office. The environment in which we were hoping the offices would open, expecting normal business did not happen. It has been seen that if situation remains conducive and peaceful, it improves functioning of the government,' he said. 'We need now to focus on things that are under our control and work to ease the difficulties faced by common people.' Omar called upon all departments to concentrate on delivery and accountability. 'Let's focus on the deliverables. So that six months from now, when we have to move to Jammu, we can actually sit down with a list of all the positive developments and changes that in spite of the circumstances, we were able to make here,' he said.
