Following the recent terror attack on civilians in Baisaran, Pahalgam, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a meeting with Kashmir’s tourism, travel, and trade stakeholders at SKICC, Srinagar.
The meeting began with a minute of silence for the victims. Attendees included Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, and other senior officials.
Chief Minister Abdullah condemned the attack, expressing condolences for the 26 lives lost. He shared his emotional distress from meeting the victims’ families, many of whom were tourists. He emphasized the unified response across the Valley, which he saw as a powerful message against fear and division.
He praised the business community’s stance, acknowledging their rejection of the violence. Abdullah assured that all constructive suggestions from the meeting would be considered to prevent future incidents.
Addressing concerns about harassment of Kashmiri students and traders outside Kashmir, he reported speaking with the Union Home Minister, who pledged protective measures. An advisory would be issued, and the Home Minister had contacted state Chief Ministers. Abdullah also confirmed he had personally contacted his counterparts to ensure Kashmiri safety.
He commended the stakeholders for prioritizing solidarity over financial concerns, stating that economic discussions would follow once the immediate grief subsided. He highlighted the two-minute silence at Jamia Masjid Srinagar as a dignified response to negative media portrayals.
Chief Minister Abdullah honored Syed Adil Hussain, a local who died saving tourists, as a “symbol of Kashmiri hospitality,” and pledged government support for his family.
Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani acknowledged the shock of the incident and praised the Kashmiri people’s united protest against the attack.
Tourism stakeholders condemned the attack as a “murder of humanity” and prioritized mourning over business. They proposed measures including:
Formation of a coordination committee with administration, security, and tourism representatives.
Protection for Kashmiri students and businesses outside Kashmir.
Establishment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at tourist sites.
Countering misinformation and biased media coverage.
The Chairman of Raja & Rani Tour and Travels announced that the Maharashtra Tour and Travel Operators’ Association would support Syed Adil Hussain’s family, including his children’s education. The association also pledged to maintain all tour bookings to Kashmir as a show of solidarity.
