Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level government meeting at the Gulmarg Club today, focused on reviewing developmental initiatives across the Union Territory. The decision to host the meeting in Gulmarg was lauded by local leaders as a symbolic gesture of peace, stability, and hospitality in the region.
MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah welcomed the move, saying, “The Chief Minister’s decision to hold the meeting here sends a strong and positive message across the country about Jammu and Kashmir’s stability. Gulmarg has always welcomed tourists, and we are eager to do so again.”
This development follows ongoing efforts to revive tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been reeling after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali national.
On Tuesday, CM Abdullah met with nearly 60 tour and travel operators from Maharashtra and Gujarat in Pahalgam to build confidence among tourism stakeholders. Speaking to the media, Abdullah stated, “We weren’t expecting them to come. They came on their own, to show support and help revive tourism in Kashmir. This visit is a big morale booster.”
In a symbolic move promoting eco-friendly travel, the Chief Minister rode a bicycle through Pahalgam, sharing a photo on X with the caption:
“Took advantage of being in Pahalgam to cycle around town for a little while this evening.”
During the Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, Abdullah announced plans to construct a memorial at Baisaran in honor of the 26 victims of the recent terror attack.
“We’ve decided to build a tasteful memorial, and we’ll consult locals for suggestions. The PWD has been authorised to proceed with official approvals,” he said.
Emphasizing resilience, Abdullah added, “Holding the Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam is a clear message to terrorists: enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve.”
The Cabinet also discussed revamping tourism infrastructure, reaffirming its importance as a major revenue source for locals in the valley.
The tour operators visiting the region are expected to travel from Pahalgam to Srinagar, further strengthening ties and promoting tourism in the valley.