Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, advocated for a two-pronged strategy to revitalize the region’s tourism industry, which has been severely affected by the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He urged the Central government to mandate Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to conduct their meetings in Kashmir and to convene parliamentary committee meetings within the state.
Speaking at a NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah also brought attention to the recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan, which has claimed 23 lives in Poonch, Rajouri, and north Kashmir. He underscored the necessity of constructing individual bunkers for residents in these areas.
Recognizing the significant blow to the tourism sector, Abdullah proposed that, as an immediate measure, the government should instruct its PSUs to hold their meetings in Kashmir. He also strongly pushed for parliamentary consultative and standing committee meetings to be held in Jammu and Kashmir. He believes these concerted government efforts would significantly alleviate public fears, foster a renewed sense of security and trust, and ultimately pave the way for tourism revival, bringing much-needed economic relief and normalcy to the Kashmir Valley.
In his extempore address, the Chief Minister commended the public’s defiance following the April 22 Pahalgam attack and simultaneously sought the Centre’s attention for the region’s security, tourism, and economic recovery. The security challenges post-Pahalgam have severely impacted Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, particularly its vital tourism sector, a crucial source of livelihood for many.
Abdullah emphasized that while the nation mourns the 26 lives lost in the Pahalgam massacre, the memory of the 23 people who died due to shelling from across the border must not be overlooked. He commenced his speech by commending the widespread condemnation from the people of Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam massacre. He also thanked the central leadership, including the Prime Minister, for their crucial assistance in protecting Kashmiris targeted by anti-social elements elsewhere in the country in the aftermath of the attack.
Abdullah stated, “When the victims of the Pahalgam massacre are remembered, the nation should also not forget 23 people who lost their lives in shelling from across the border as they were also killed by shells that emanated from Pakistan,” directly linking the violence to its source.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror camps, including the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which led to heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).
To enhance civilian safety in vulnerable areas along the LoC and IB, Abdullah stressed the urgent need for constructing individual bunkers for residents. This call for individual bunkers highlights the persistent threat faced by border communities, while the push for government-led tourism initiatives aims to rebuild confidence and economic stability in the Valley.
