Srinagar, May 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, has not derailed ongoing discussions on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Gulmarg, Omar emphasised that the demand for statehood remains a priority and was formally raised during the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting. “If you refer to the official speech submitted to the NITI Aayog, it clearly includes a demand for restoring statehood,” he said.
Omar clarified that while he chose not to raise the issue during a recent special Assembly session, conversations on the matter are actively continuing at the national level. “Just because I didn’t bring it up in the Assembly doesn’t mean we’ve given up. The conversation is still ongoing,” he said.
Addressing the fallout of the Pahalgam attack on tourism, Omar stressed that the people of Kashmir were not responsible. “This attack wasn’t carried out with our consent or for our benefit,” he said. “Kashmiris should not be blamed or punished for something they didn’t do. If you boycott us for this, what are we supposed to do?”
He urged the Centre and investigative agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial probe and to avoid narratives that incite division or spread blame. “I hope the Union Government takes this seriously,” he said.
“Our goal is to send a clear message: Jammu and Kashmir is ready to welcome tourists,” he said.
In a follow-up meeting held in Gulmarg on Wednesday, Omar reviewed the region’s tourism revival strategy, security situation, and preparations for upcoming festivals with senior civil and police officials, including the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General North Kashmir, and the Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla.
He also interacted with tourists and emphasized the importance of local involvement in restoring normalcy. “Tourists from other states will return only when Kashmiris themselves start visiting these places again,” he said. “I’ve asked the Education Minister to organize school and college excursions to places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. We need to bring life back to these destinations.”
Acknowledging that some tourist sites remain closed or partially restricted due to the April 22 incident, Omar said these decisions were taken out of necessity but would be reviewed gradually. “This attack was different. People themselves came out to protest and condemn it,” he said.
Omar further said that the state cabinet has approved the construction of a memorial in honour of the victims of the Pahalgam attack. The Roads and Buildings Department has been directed to invite design proposals. “Once we receive the designs, we will move forward,” he added.
On the issue of security, Omar clarified that law and order is currently under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor. “Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory. Security falls under the LG’s domain,” he said. “There are three power centers—the Union Government, the Raj Bhavan, and the elected government. All three must work in coordination.”
“I can promote tourism and build infrastructure, but security lies with the LG,” he added.
Dismissing rumours of strained ties with the LG’s office, Omar said, “You only need a thaw if there’s a freeze. I’ve never claimed there’s a freeze. All I’ve said is that we need to work together moving forward.”
On supporting livelihoods hit by the drop in tourism, he said, “While big players can withstand shocks, smaller operators like shikara owners, taxi drivers, and homestay hosts face immediate hardship. We are working on an assistance package for them.”
Omar also emphasized the importance of participating in national tourism fairs, stating, “Our absence sends the wrong signal. We’ve already participated in major events like Ahmedabad and Kolkata, and more are being planned.”
He called on the Union Government to resume PSU board meetings and parliamentary committee visits to the Valley that were canceled post-April 22. “Summer is the best time to hold such meetings in Kashmir. Some ministers have already assured us of their support.”
He also welcomed delegations from the tourism industry across India who are visiting Kashmir to assess the situation and support the revival of tourism in the Valley.
