J&K CM Omar Abdullah Visits Pahalgam, Says Terror Won’t Stop Tourism in Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened an extraordinary Cabinet session in Pahalgam on Tuesday, demonstrating defiance against terrorism following a devastating attack that struck the hill station in April.
The unprecedented gathering, believed to be the first Cabinet meeting held outside the traditional seats of Srinagar and Jammu during the current administration, served as a deliberate statement of resilience. The April 22 terrorist assault in Pahalgam resulted in 26 civilian casualties and severely impacted tourist confidence in the popular destination.
Addressing the media following the session, Abdullah emphasized the symbolic nature of their presence. “Our purpose here extends beyond routine governmental procedures. We are delivering a clear statement that acts of terror and violence cannot halt tourism, joy, and progress in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Chief Minister declared.
Abdullah advocated for establishing tourism as a “conflict-neutral” sector, emphasizing its crucial economic importance. “Tourism must remain insulated from conflict as it serves as the primary source of livelihood for countless families across Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated.
The Chief Minister praised the bravery demonstrated by local residents, particularly those in Pahalgam, following the April tragedy. “This gathering represents our gratitude to them for their strength, their condemnation of terrorism, and their refusal to succumb to intimidation,” Abdullah explained.
The Chief Minister’s office shared photographs of the Cabinet deliberations at the Pahalgam club on social media platform X.
“Conducted a Cabinet Meeting in Pahalgam today. This was more than standard administrative business, but a definitive statement – we remain undaunted by cowardly terrorist acts,” the official account posted.
“Those who oppose peace will never undermine our determination. Jammu and Kashmir remains steadfast, resilient, and fearless,” the message continued.
This marked the inaugural occasion during the current government’s tenure that the Cabinet assembled outside the established administrative centers. The choice to meet in Pahalgam represented a calculated show of solidarity with the mountain town, which has experienced a sharp decline in visitor arrivals since the April 22 terrorist incident.