Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday acknowledged that the tourism industry has taken a major hit in the region following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and announced that the administration is now focusing on ensuring a smooth and secure Amarnath Yatra this year.
“Tourism has been hit quite badly. We hardly have any tourists coming in the summer season. We are now focusing on the Amarnath Yatra. We want the Amarnath Yatra to pass incident-free. We want the devotees coming for the Amarnath Yatra to go back safe and sound after their visit,” Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat. The gathering was convened to address concerns from tourism stakeholders following the deadly terrorist attack that left 26 tourists dead in Pahalgam.
CM Abdullah reassured the attendees that the government is committed to supporting the sector and will take all their suggestions into serious consideration.
As per an official release, he urged the creation of a comprehensive and carefully planned revival strategy for the tourism industry.
“This is my suggestion for your consideration that we thoughtfully shape and finalise this plan without undue haste,” he said.
He proposed working closely with the Tourism Department to formulate this strategy after the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra concludes. The revival plan, he emphasized, should support hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxi operators, and artisans, while also introducing innovative initiatives like shopping festivals inspired by Dubai’s model.
“We should also consider engaging artists for cultural performances, restarting the laser fountain shows, and introducing other attractions to enhance the tourist experience,” he added.
Highlighting the current crisis, the CM acknowledged the financial hardships faced by small business owners.
“I understand the challenges many of you are grappling with, be it managing establishments, retaining employees, or dealing with fixed overheads. Many among you are under pressure due to bank loans,” he said.
He expressed concern particularly for those who had recently taken loans to purchase tourist taxis, deluxe minibuses, or build guest accommodations.
“In this regard, I plan to engage with the Tourism Department and relevant authorities to advocate for a dedicated relief package from the Government of India,” he added.
CM Abdullah called for a comprehensive package that includes aid for residents in border areas affected by cross-border shelling and property damage. For the tourism sector specifically, he proposed loan deferments for at least two quarters to help reduce financial burdens.
Despite the crisis, Abdullah noted that there is still widespread interest in promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a travel destination.
“I have been receiving calls from individuals and organisations eager to promote Jammu and Kashmir and bring back tourists in large numbers,” he said, adding that he himself would join such promotional campaigns once the situation stabilizes.
He assured the hospitality stakeholders that he would escalate the matter of financial assistance and interest relief directly with the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and other senior officials.
“We will approach this in a structured and result-oriented manner,” he affirmed.
Commenting on the cross-border situation, Abdullah noted:
“There is no report of any ceasefire violation in the border areas, on the Line of Control. We are assessing the damage (due to cross-border firing by Pakistan) and once the damage assessment report is prepared, we will prepare a compensation package.”
On India’s international outreach via an all-party delegation to counter terrorism narratives post-Operation Sindoor, he supported the initiative:
“In the past, after the Parliament attack, during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, some parliamentary delegations were sent to many countries. This is a good opportunity to put forth India’s voice.”
The April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam killed 26 tourists. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, which led to the destruction of nine terror sites in Pakistan.