The Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, held a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam today. This meeting comes over a month after the deadly terror attack in Baisaran valley on April 22, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
Tourism Hit Hard by Attack
The attack has scared away tourists. Bookings have dropped, and travel to the region has slowed down sharply. As a result, the government is now taking steps to reassure people and restore normalcy. The goal of today’s meeting is to fight terrorism and bring tourism back on track.
Leaders Arrive in Pahalgam
Visuals from the area showed ministers arriving at the Pahalgam Club for the meeting. This gathering reflects the administration’s commitment to send a strong message against terrorism.
Earlier Efforts to Support Tourism
Earlier, on May 15, the Chief Minister met with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat. There, he promised full support from the government. He also said he would consider their suggestions to help the tourism industry recover.
Focus on Revival Plan After Yatra
During the meeting, Omar Abdullah stressed the importance of a complete revival plan. He proposed working with the Tourism Department after the Shri Amarnath Yatra ends. The plan, he said, should include help for hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, and handicrafts.
He also suggested creative ideas like themed shopping festivals, inspired by those held in Dubai.
Concern for Small Business Owners
Abdullah showed concern for small entrepreneurs. Many had recently taken loans to buy tourist taxis, minibuses, or build guest houses. He said they are now struggling due to the drop in visitors.
Appeal to the Centre
Despite the tragedy, the Chief Minister noted that interest in J&K as a tourist spot remains alive. He mentioned that people still look forward to promotional activities and Familiarisation (FAM) tours.
He assured that he would talk to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and other central leaders. He plans to ask for financial support and interest relief for affected businesses.
Strong Message and Economic Push
Today’s cabinet meeting in Pahalgam aims to strengthen the government’s stance against terrorism. At the same time, it hopes to boost the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism.
Tourism Sector Faces Huge Losses
The April 22 attack left a lasting impact. It not only took lives but also badly hurt the region’s tourism. Many local businesses, which depend on visitors, have reported major financial losses since the incident.
