Omar Abdullah held a cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, sending a b message to terrorists. Discussions focused on the Amarnath Yatra, tourism, and employee allowances. The government also expressed solidarity with the families of the attack victims.
Jammu-Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a significant decision on Tuesday that garnered national attention. Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, he held a cabinet meeting at the very site of the incident. This move served as a b message, while also demonstrating an effort to restore normalcy and regain public trust in Kashmir. The meeting addressed crucial issues including tourism, the Amarnath Yatra, and employee dearness allowance.
A Strong Message from the Attack Site
The April 22nd terrorist attack claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, leaving Jammu and Kashmir in a state of tension. However, Omar Abdullah, defying the fear of terrorism, held the cabinet meeting in Pahalgam itself, sending a clear message to the terrorists that the government would not be intimidated.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Ittoo stated that the meeting was not solely for administrative discussions but also to show solidarity with the affected families and send a b message to the terrorists. She emphasized the government's support for families who lost loved ones in the attack.
Discussions on the Amarnath Yatra
The cabinet meeting also extensively discussed preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Food Supply Minister Satish Sharma stated that the government was ensuring the pilgrimage would proceed peacefully and securely. He added that the people of Kashmir were resilient and would face every challenge bravely.
Discussing tourism, the minister asserted that Kashmir had never truly shut down. They were fully prepared to reopen tourist sites and welcome visitors. He highlighted the government's continuous efforts to attract more tourists to experience Kashmir's beauty.
Relief for Government Employees
The meeting also brought relief to government employees. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's government approved the next installment of dearness allowance (DA), benefiting thousands of employees and alleviating some of their financial burden.
Thanking Locals and Tourists
Following the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that this was more than just a cabinet meeting. They were there to show their support for the local people. He also expressed gratitude to all tourists returning to Kashmir and Pahalgam, viewing their return as a testament to the continued trust in Kashmir.