CM Omar hails tourism stakeholder’s compassion, courage
Srinagar, Apr 25: In the aftermath of the recent terror attack on civilians at Baisaran, Pahalgam, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday convened a detailed interaction with business stakeholders from Kashmirís tourism, travel, and trade sectors at SKICC, Srinagar.
The meeting commenced with a minute of silence in memory of the victims, expressing solidarity with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic incident.
The interaction was attended by Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretaries of Industries and Commerce and Tourism, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, senior Police officials, and other concerned officers.
Addressing the gathering, CM Omar said, ìWe collectively condemn the Pahalgam terror incident, mourn the loss of 26 innocent lives, and extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.î
He noted the pain of meeting the victimsí families ñ many of whom were visiting Kashmir on their honeymoon or family vacation.
ìAs the tourism minister, I found it extremely difficult to meet their families. I was at a loss for words,î he said.
Highlighting the collective outrage and unity across Kashmir in the wake of the attack, CM Omar said this unified response sends a powerful, silent message to those who seek to sow fear and division.
He commended the business community for taking a principled stand, saying, ìYou have clearly said this act was not in our name ñ neither have we ever supported such violence nor will we ever in the future.î
The CM assured that all constructive suggestions offered during the meeting would be seriously considered to help prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Addressing concerns regarding harassment faced by Kashmiri students and traders outside Kashmir, he informed the gathering that he had spoken directly with the Union Home Minister, who assured him of necessary protective measures.
An advisory will be issued in this regard, and the Home Minister has also personally reached out to several state CMs.
CM Omar said that he too had spoken to his counterparts in other states to ensure the safety of Kashmiris across India.
He lauded the tourism and business stakeholders for not focusing on financial losses or seeking compensation, saying, ìBusiness will come and go. Right now, our primary concern is to express our grief and stand in solidarity with those affected by this senseless attack.î
He said that discussions on economic impact could take place later, once the immediate pain of the tragedy has been addressed.
Referring to the one-minute silence observed at Jamia Masjid Srinagar earlier today, the CM called it ìa strong and dignified responseî to the propaganda peddled by some news channels against Kashmiris.
He paid special tribute to Syed Adil Hussain, a local who lost his life while trying to save tourists during the attack, calling him a ìsymbol of Kashmiri hospitality.î
CM Omar assured that his government would take steps to honour his memory and support his family.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani said, ìThis incident has shaken us to the core.î
He appreciated the people of Kashmir for rising in protest against the attack and sending a clear message across the country and the world that ìthis act has no place in our society or our religion.î
Earlier, stakeholders from the tourism sector unanimously condemned the attack, calling it a ìmurder of humanity.î
They emphasised that Kashmir is in deep mourning and that commercial concerns are secondary at this time.
They proposed several measures, including the formation of a coordination committee comprising administration, security agencies, and tourism stakeholders; protection and welfare of Kashmiri students and businesspersons outside Kashmir.
Besides, they suggested the establishment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at key tourist destinations and countering misinformation and biased media narratives.
The Chairman of Raja and Rani Tour and Travels informed the gathering that the Maharashtra Tour and Travel Operatorsí Association has pledged to adopt Syed Adil Hussainís family.
The association will support the educational needs of his children and provide long-term assistance to his family.
Furthermore, the association has decided that no tour bookings to Kashmir will be cancelled, in a strong show of support and solidarity.
