Pahalgam, May 27: In a bold move to assert governance and resilience in the face of terrorism, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam—just weeks after the April 22 terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
Speaking to the media following the meeting, the Chief Minister said the decision to convene the cabinet in Pahalgam was more than an administrative gesture. “This is the first time we have conducted a cabinet meeting outside Srinagar or Jammu. While the routine government agenda was carried out, the objective was to send a message that brutality and bloodshed will not stop us from pursuing the agenda of development, prosperity, and representation,” Omar said.
He added that the meeting also served as a gesture of gratitude toward the people of Pahalgam. “Their bravery, courage, and united stand against violence after the April 22 attack was deeply commendable. This meeting was also meant to thank them and express our gratitude,” he said.
After the meeting, the Chief Minister took to X (formerly Twitter), posting photos from the Pahalgam Club and writing:
“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.”
The Chief Minister said that, while the main agenda was symbolic, a small tourism-related agenda was also discussed during the meeting. He acknowledged the presence of Abijeet Patil from the travel and trade industry, who had independently brought a delegation of over 60 tour operators from Maharashtra to Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Srinagar.
“This is inspiring,” Omar said. “When Abhijeet first spoke, he said 20–25 people would come. Then it became 40. By the time the programme was finalised, it was 50. Today, over 60 tour operators are here. On behalf of the government and the people of J&K, I thank Abhijeet and his team.”
He stressed that tourism should be seen as a conflict-neutral activity. “Unfortunately, it has been politicised time and again. But my government will strive to isolate tourism from the prevailing situation. We want the world to view J&K’s tourism as a pure livelihood activity,” he said.
Omar also acknowledged the recent hardships due to the deteriorating security situation, stating that the government is committed to reviving tourism in a phased and careful manner. “We will proceed gradually, ensuring safety, but we cannot allow fear to dominate our lives,” he said.
“I know the last five to six weeks have not been easy for the country, and Jammu and Kashmir has faced many difficulties. We are making every effort to come out of this difficult time. The steps that need to be taken will be taken collectively. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir will make the decisions, and I believe the Government of India will extend the necessary support.”
The CM informed that a security audit of all tourist destinations has been initiated post the Baisaran attack. “We must start opening the destinations that can be secured. I believe the list of 48 currently closed destinations needs to be revisited.”
“We need to proceed gradually. We need to show some courage, but the time has come to review this list. This is not just the wish of the local people here. The tourists I met in Pahalgam all told me the same thing: ‘We came to Pahalgam willingly and happily. We feel good being here. But please don’t restrict us to a small area. Let us visit the parks, let us go to Betaab Valley.’”
When asked about support for those who suffered losses or face loan issues in the tourism sector, Omar said, “There is an ongoing conversation with the Government of India to see what we can do in the short term to assist those connected to the tourism industry who have taken loans.”
“My concern is equally for those who have built large hotels and for those who, until yesterday, might have had a Sumo and then took a loan to replace it with an Innova—or had an Innova and upgraded to a deluxe bus; or those who had a home with four rooms and took a loan to convert three of those rooms into a homestay; or had a homestay and upgraded it into a guest house; or who turned a regular household into a super-relaxed household,” he said.
“This conversation has already begun with the Government of India. During my recent presence at the NITI Aayog meeting, I took the opportunity to urge the Union Government to support us, and that dialogue is ongoing,” he added.
As part of this effort, he revealed that the J&K government is preparing for active participation in upcoming travel fairs, including the TTF in Kolkata and Ahmedabad. “We aim to show that Jammu and Kashmir is open for business again,” Omar said.
“After Shri Amarnathji Yatra is over, we hope to tap into some of the travel traffic that comes from West Bengal during the Puja holidays. That will be one of our main focus areas moving forward,” he said.
When asked whether efforts or appeals from the highest office could help revive tourism in J&K, Omar said, “Not just announcements, but the Prime Minister has indeed made efforts in this regard. A few days ago, he held a meeting focused on reviving tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, which was attended by all senior officers, the Tourism Minister, and others.”
“Also, just two days ago, during the NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi, I had the opportunity to sit and speak with the Prime Minister. We discussed how tourism can be re-established in Jammu and Kashmir. I’m not in a position to share the details publicly right now, but I can say that some concrete efforts will be taken by the central government,” he added.
It is worth noting that Omar Abdullah, during his first stint as the CM of the erstwhile J&K state from 2009-14, had convened cabinet meetings in remote areas like Gurez, Machil, Tangdar of north Kashmir and Rajouri and Poonch areas of Pir Panjal region.
