𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐫: 𝐏𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐦 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡

Srinagar, May 28: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserted on Wednesday that the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 tourists dead, will not deter ongoing efforts to restore statehood to the region. Speaking in Gulmarg, he emphasized that the demand for statehood remains active and was formally raised in the latest NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting.

He clarified that the issue, though not discussed in a recent special Assembly session, continues to be pursued at the national level. “Our silence in the Assembly does not mean the dialogue has ended,” Omar said.

Addressing the impact of the April 22 Pahalgam attack on tourism, Omar strongly condemned any blame placed on Kashmiris. “The people of Kashmir are not responsible for the attack. It neither had our consent nor was it in our interest,” he stated, urging the Centre to ensure a transparent and fair investigation without scapegoating the local population.

Omar reviewed the tourism revival strategy and security measures with top officials during a high-level meeting in Gulmarg. He also engaged with tourists and emphasized the need for local tourism activity. “Kashmiris themselves must reclaim these spaces first. That’s why I’ve asked the Education Minister to organize school and college excursions to tourist destinations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg,” he said.

The Chief Minister announced that a memorial will be built to honor the Pahalgam victims, with the Roads and Buildings Department tasked to solicit design proposals.

On security, Omar clarified that it is under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor, noting the importance of coordination among the Union Government, the Raj Bhavan, and the elected administration. He dismissed rumors of strained relations with the LG’s office, affirming a collaborative approach moving forward.

To aid those economically affected by the tourism slump, Omar said the government is preparing an assistance package for small stakeholders such as shikara owners, taxi drivers, and homestay operators. “Larger businesses can survive, but it’s the smaller operators who suffer first,” he remarked.

He underscored the importance of participating in national tourism fairs to project normalcy, highlighting recent involvement in major events like Ahmedabad and Kolkata. Omar also urged the Centre to resume parliamentary committee visits and PSU board meetings in the Valley, emphasizing that summer is the ideal season for such initiatives.

Lastly, he welcomed ongoing visits from national tourism delegations as a hopeful sign of solidarity and support for Kashmir’s economic revival.