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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)
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"We want Amarnath Yatra to be incident-free," says J-K CM Omar Abdullah
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 17 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the tourism sector has been badly affected and the administration is now focusing on ensuring a safe and incident-free Amarnath Yatra. 'Tourism has been hit quite badly. We hardly have any tourists coming in the summer season. We are now focusing on the Amarnath Yatra. We want the Amarnath Yatra to pass incident-free. We want the devotees coming for the Amarnath Yatra to go back safe and sound after their visit,' Abdullah said. Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 17 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the tourism sector has been badly affected and the administration is now focusing on ensuring a safe and incident-free Amarnath Yatra. 'Tourism has been hit quite badly. We hardly have any tourists coming in the summer season. We are now focusing on the Amarnath Yatra. We want the Amarnath Yatra to pass incident-free. We want the devotees coming for the Amarnath Yatra to go back safe and sound after their visit,' Abdullah said. The JK CM was chairing a meeting with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat. He held the meeting to discuss the concerns of the Hoteliers after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which had significantly impacted tourism in the region. CM 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. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister called for the formulation of a comprehensive and well-thought-out tourism revival plan, according to an official release. 'This is my suggestion for your consideration that we thoughtfully shape and finalise this plan without undue haste,' he said. He proposed that a robust tourism revival strategy be jointly developed with the Tourism Department after the conclusion of this year's Shri Amarnath ji Yatra, added the release. The package, he said, should extend support to hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, handicrafts and explore innovative models such as unique shopping festivals on the analogy of those in Dubai. 'We should also consider engaging artists for cultural performances, restarting the laser fountain shows, and introducing other attractions to enhance the tourist experience,' the Chief Minister added. Acknowledging the difficulties faced by the tourism sector, Omar Abdullah said, 'I understand the challenges many of you are grappling with, be it managing establishments, retaining employees, or dealing with fixed overheads. Many among you are under pressure due to bank loans.' He expressed particular concern for small-scale entrepreneurs who have recently taken loans to purchase tourist taxis, deluxe minibuses or built guest accommodations in their homes, added the release. 'In this regard, I plan to engage with the Tourism Department and relevant authorities to advocate for a dedicated relief package from the Government of India,' he said. 'A comprehensive package should cater to individuals affected in the border areas, where homes and shops have been damaged. For the tourism sector, we will explore the possibility of loan deferments for at least two quarters, which would provide temporary relief and reduce financial stress on stakeholders,' the Chief Minister stated. Highlighting the ongoing interest in J-K as a tourism destination, Omar Abdullah said there is already enthusiasm for promotional activities and FAM (Familiarisation) tours. 'I have been receiving calls from individuals and organisations eager to promote Jammu and Kashmir and bring back tourists in large numbers,' he said, adding that he would personally participate in joint promotional campaigns as the situation stabilises. The Chief Minister assured the gathering that he would take up the issue of financial support and interest relief directly with the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and other senior central government officials. 'We will approach this in a structured and result-oriented manner,' he affirmed. Meanwhile, speaking on cross-border tensions, Omar Abdullah said, 'There is no report of any ceasefire violation in the border areas, on the Line of Control. We are assessing the damage (due to cross-border firing by Pakistan) and once the damage assessment report is prepared, we will prepare a compensation package.' Speaking on the all-party delegation visiting key partner countries to highlight India's fight against cross-border terrorism and Operation Sindoor, he said, 'In the past, after the Parliament attack, during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure, some parliamentary delegations were sent to many countries. This is a good opportunity to put forth India's voice.' The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 killed 26 tourists. After the attack India destroyed nine terror site in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. (ANI) The JK CM was chairing a meeting with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat. He held the meeting to discuss the concerns of the Hoetliers after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which had significantly impacted tourism in the region. CM 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. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister called for the formulation of a comprehensive and well-thought-out tourism revival plan, according to an official release. 'This is my suggestion for your consideration that we thoughtfully shape and finalise this plan without undue haste,' he said. He proposed that a robust tourism revival strategy be jointly developed with the Tourism Department after the conclusion of this year's Shri Amarnath ji Yatra, added the release. The package, he said, should extend support to hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, handicrafts and explore innovative models such as unique shopping festivals on the analogy of those in Dubai. 'We should also consider engaging artists for cultural performances, restarting the laser fountain shows, and introducing other attractions to enhance the tourist experience,' the Chief Minister added. Acknowledging the difficulties faced by the tourism sector, Omar Abdullah said, 'I understand the challenges many of you are grappling with, be it managing establishments, retaining employees, or dealing with fixed overheads. Many among you are under pressure due to bank loans.' He expressed particular concern for small-scale entrepreneurs who have recently taken loans to purchase tourist taxis, deluxe minibuses or built guest accommodations in their homes, added the release. 'In this regard, I plan to engage with the Tourism Department and relevant authorities to advocate for a dedicated relief package from the Government of India,' he said. 'A comprehensive package should cater to individuals affected in the border areas, where homes and shops have been damaged. For the tourism sector, we will explore the possibility of loan deferments for at least two quarters, which would provide temporary relief and reduce financial stress on stakeholders,' the Chief Minister stated. Highlighting the ongoing interest in J-K as a tourism destination, Omar Abdullah said there is already enthusiasm for promotional activities and FAM (Familiarisation) tours. 'I have been receiving calls from individuals and organisations eager to promote Jammu and Kashmir and bring back tourists in large numbers,' he said, adding that he would personally participate in joint promotional campaigns as the situation stabilises. The Chief Minister assured the gathering that he would take up the issue of financial support and interest relief directly with the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and other senior central government officials. 'We will approach this in a structured and result-oriented manner,' he affirmed. Meanwhile, speaking on cross-border tensions, Omar Abdullah said, 'There is no report of any ceasefire violation in the border areas, on the Line of Control. We are assessing the damage (due to cross-border firing by Pakistan) and once the damage assessment report is prepared, we will prepare a compensation package.' Speaking on the all-party delegation visiting key partner countries to highlight India's fight against cross-border terrorism and Operation Sindoor, he said, 'In the past, after the Parliament attack, during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure, some parliamentary delegations were sent to many countries. This is a good opportunity to put forth India's voice.' The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 killed 26 tourists. After the attack India destroyed nine terror site in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. (ANI)
