Don’t let terrorism hijack tourism: CM Omar
Pahalgam, May 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday urged for keeping tourism in Jammu and Kashmir separate from politics, describing it as a ìconflict-neutral activityî essential to the local economy.
Addressing a news conference after chairing a cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, the site of an April 22 terror attack that killed 25 tourists and a local pony operator, CM Omar said tourism should remain an apolitical economic lifeline.
ìTourism is a means of livelihood for people, he said. Unfortunately, from time to time, politics has been played over tourism in Kashmir, and that shouldnt happen at all. Our government will make efforts to isolate tourism from the situation in Kashmir. It should always be a conflict-neutral activity that supports our economy. The world should see it as a normal economic activity.î
However, the CM clarified that there was nothing wrong in citing tourist arrival data.
ìThere is nothing wrong in quoting tourism figures. Even during my previous six-year tenure as CM, my government quoted the numbers. But there are other parameters, besides tourism, by which we can measure normalcy, he said.
CM Omar said that tourism would recover once visitors feel safe and emphasised that ensuring security involves multiple agencies.
ìYes, we have to tread a cautious path before reviving tourism, but we will make efforts to do so,î he said. ìTourism is my responsibility, but providing security to tourists is not in my domain. The elected government of J&K, the unelected administration and the Centre all need to work together.î
The CM acknowledged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken steps to revive tourism in J&K and said the matter was discussed at a recent NITI Aayog meeting.
He said his government was coordinating with the Tourism Department and other stakeholders to support recovery efforts.
Following the closure of 48 tourist spots after the Baisaran attack, CM Omar said a security audit was necessary but expressed hope that the locations would gradually reopen.
ìEven the tourists I met in Pahalgam said they came of their own free will but complained about being confined and not allowed to explore parks and sightseeing spots,î he said. ìWe slowly need to start reopening Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, parks in Srinagar, Sonamarg, and other locations.î
The CM said that the government was committed to creating a conducive environment for the return of tourists.
ìMy concern is for all facets of the tourism industry, which has suffered ñ from big hotels to small guesthouses and home stays,î he said.
CM Omar also assured that arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra would be made like previous years.
ìWe will make the arrangements like we have been making every year,î he said.
The CM acknowledged the difficulties faced by the region in recent weeks.
ìWe went through tough times. So the J&K government will sit and take steps, and I hope the Centre will support whatever efforts are needed for the people of J&K,î he said.
Earlier in the day, CM Omar chaired a symbolic cabinet meeting in Pahalgam ñ the first such session held there - to send a message of resilience in the face of terrorism.
ìThis was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message ñ we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror,î his office posted on X. ìThe enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu and Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid.î
The CM said: ìThe reason for the meeting was not only administrative, but also to show that the bloodshed wonít stop our agenda for progress and development.î
He said that the meeting also aimed to thank the people of Kashmir in general and the people of Pahalgam in particular for rising against the bloodshed.
CM Omar said reviving tourism was among the key items discussed in the cabinet meeting.
Many tourists had left Kashmir following the April 22 terror attack.
CABINET MEETING
Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Pahalgam to demonstrate the resolve of the government to restart normal routine in Pahalgam, send a welcoming message to tourists, and to vehemently reject all kinds of violence and attempts to derail peace in J&K.
An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that chairing the cabinet meeting, he described it as more than a routine ëCouncil of Ministersí session, calling it a strong message against terrorism.
ìThe enemies of peace will not deter our resolve. J&K stands firm, united, and unafraid,î the CM said.
This was the first time the cabinet meeting was convened outside Srinagar or Jammu, during this governmentís tenure.
The choice of Pahalgam was aimed at expressing solidarity with the victims of the terror attack at Baisaran on April 22, after which Kashmir including Pahalgam witnessed a sharp decline in tourist footfall.
This was the 11th Council of Ministers meeting and various agenda items were taken up for discussion and decision.
CM Omar, 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 in north Kashmir, and Rajouri and Poonch areas of Pir Panjal region.
The decision to hold this cabinet meeting comes two days after CM Omar on Saturday at the NITI Aayog General Council meeting proposed to revive J&K tourism sector which had been severely impacted by the Baisaran terror attack, suggesting the Parliamentary committees, PSUs, and central government departments to hold meetings and conferences in Kashmir to rebuild the confidence among the people intending to visit J&K in future.
To continue with his efforts to restore normalcy, the CM would hold a meeting of all ministers and Administrative Secretaries at Gulmarg on Wednesday, which according to an official statement is aimed to alleviate fear, reinforce sense of security and trust, and ultimately pave the way for the revival of tourism in Kashmir and boost economic activities in the region.
MEMORIAL FOR BAISARAN VICTIMS
CM Omar announced the establishment of a memorial in memory of the 26 victims of last monthís terror attack at Baisaran in Pahalgam.
ìWe have been discussing this from day one ñ a memorial will be set up in Baisaran for the 26 innocent lives lost, as a lasting tribute and a reminder that they will never be forgotten,î he said.
An official spokesman in a separate statement issued here said that addressing a gathering of travel and tour operators from across the country, the CM emphasised the importance of reviving tourism in J&K.
ìIn todayís cabinet meeting, held here in Pahalgam, the Public Works Department was authorised to grant in-principle approval for this memorial,î he said.
CM Omar said that suggestions would be sought to ensure that the memorial is not only magnificent but also dignified and respectful.
Extending heartfelt gratitude to the visiting tour operators, he said, ìI thank each one of you for coming to Pahalgam and supporting the revival of tourism. I recognise many of you as those who reignited tourism in Kashmir during the most challenging times ñ when even the locals feared venturing out.î
The CM recalled the early 1990s when tourism first resumed in Kashmir with the arrival of groups from Mumbai and Gujarat.
ìThey helped restart tourism and brought it to its peak ñ until the events of April 22. No matter how strongly we condemn what happened that day, it will never be enough. We lack words to comfort the families of those 26 victims. We can only bow our heads in their memory,î he said.
Acknowledging security challenges, CM Omar stressed the need for strict measures.
ìAlthough we do not fully control the security apparatus, I believe what happened should never have happened. And we must do everything possible to ensure it never happens again,î he said.
On the reopening of tourist destinations post-Baisaran incident, the CM urged for transparency and openness in communicating with tourists.
Lets not focus on whats closed, but on whats open. I believe its better to speak the truth rather than have tourists feel misled, he said.
ìThe process of reopening will begin in a phased manner in the coming days. I visited Betaab Valley myself to assess the situation and to build confidence. Not all destinations will reopen at once, but some will gradually become accessible CM Omar said.
He assured tour operators that they would be consulted throughout this process.
ìTogether with the administration, we will ensure destinations are reopened responsibly, in a timely manner,î the CM said.
On attracting international tourists, he said, ìIn our experience, international guests arrive after domestic tourism shows signs of recovery. The first sign of normalcy is when school children and domestic tourists begin visiting picnic spots again. Once this wave is visible, international bookings will follow. While we must continue to promote globally, I believe a strong focus on domestic tourism will build the right momentum.î
Reaffirming his confidence in the revival process, CM Omar said, ìWe have come a long way. What happened, happened. But with your courage and commitment, I am certain we will overcome this and bounce back.î
He acknowledged that certain shortcomings exist and assured these would be addressed moving forward.
ìWe are aware of the gaps and we will act on them,î the CM said.
Tour operators who interacted with CM Omar represented a cross-section of travel operators and bodies including Raja Rani Travels, Pooja Travels, Heena Travels, Veena World, Offbeat Destinations, K K Tours, Jai Mata Di Travels, Arihant Travels, Madhuchanda Travels, TAFI, Kass Travels, ADTOI, Beckon Tours Pvt Ltd, Trans Global Travels, S H R Harshil Travels (representing OTOAI), Golden Tours (under ETAA), Ajay Modi Travels (Gujarat), Travel Munk (Jain Travel Associations), Thomas Cook, Tamarind, Kraft Vacations, and Travel Lounge.
Delegates from national print and electronic media also interacted with the CM, alongside local tour operators, hoteliers, and travel and tourism stakeholders.
Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs from Pahalgam and Bijbehara, Director Tourism, Managing Director JKTDC, and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
CM Omar also met local delegations led by MLA Pahalgam.
ìValuable insights were shared about local issues and aspirations. The support extended by locals during the recent tragedy ó to both tourists and the administration - was exemplary,î he said.
The CM also visited Nunwan base camp to review preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, interacted with officials on the ground, and emphasised the importance of coordination for ensuring yatri safety and comfort.
His visit to Betaab Valley was followed by an impromptu cycling tour from a local hotel to Nunwan base camp and back, to promote new initiatives taken by Tourism Department towards sustainable tourism and eco-tourism, a message strongly advocated by CM Omar who also holds the portfolio of Minister for Tourism in J&K.
