Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has once again addressed the impact of the Pahalgam attack on tourism in the state. During a conversation with the media during his Gujarat visit, he stated that the terrorist attack on April 22nd did affect tourism in the valley, but Kashmir is still not devoid of tourists. The Chief Minister also said that the state government is fully active in revitalizing tourism activities.
He mentioned that the government is continuously striving to attract more people from other states of the country to visit Jammu and Kashmir and enjoy its beauty. He expressed confidence that tourists' confidence will be restored in the coming times and the tourism industry will regain momentum.
Atmosphere of Fear After the Attack
Regarding the impact of the Pahalgam attack, Omar Abdullah said that that day changed everything. An atmosphere of fear had developed in the valley after the death of 26 tourists from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. He acknowledged that the attack dealt a major blow to the start of the tourism season, and many people left the valley overnight.
However, he also clarified that people associated with the tourism industry are not disheartened. Lakhs of devotees have reached Kashmir for the Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi Darshan, which is proof that tourism activities are still ongoing in the valley. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Kashmir will once again become the first choice of tourists in the country.
Inspiration from the Gujarat Model
During his visit to Gujarat, Omar Abdullah visited the Statue of Unity, Narmada Dam, Sabarmati Riverfront, and Atal Bridge. Praising these places, he said that such tourism models can also be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. His view was that if tourists return to Kashmir from other states, it will strengthen the valley not only economically but also socially.
He reiterated that tourism is not just an industry but also the identity and backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy. Reviving it is not only the responsibility of the government but of the entire country. Omar Abdullah's visit is considered an important part of the efforts to revive tourism in the state.
