CM Omar Abdullah announced a memorial for Besaran victims

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today announced a memorial to set up a memorial in memory of 26 victims of last month’s tragic terror attack in Basaron near Pahalgam.
The Chief Minister said, “We have been discussing this from day one – 26 innocent life lost, a permanent tribute and a memorial will be established as a reminder.”
Addressing a meeting of travel and tour operators from across the country, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of reviving tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. He said, “In today’s cabinet meeting, held here in Pahalgam, the Public Works Department was authorized to approve the principle for this memorial,” he announced.
He said that suggestions would be made to ensure that the monument is not only luxurious, but also iconic and respectable.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the visiting tour operators, the Chief Minister said, “I thank each of you for coming to Pahgam and supporting the revival of tourism. I recognize many of you as those who ruled tourism in the valley during the most challenging time – when the local people also feared to come out.”
He recalled in the early 1990s when tourism started again in the valley with the arrival of groups in Mumbai and Gujarat for the first time. “He helped to resume tourism and brought it to his peak- till April 22. No matter how strongly we condemn what happened that day, it will never be enough. We lack words to rest the families of those 26 victims. We can only bend our heads in their memory.”
Accepting security challenges, Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for strict measures. “Although we do not fully control the security system, I believe what happened should never have happened. And we should make every effort to ensure that it is never again.”
On reopening the Bisarran incident after tourist places, he urged for transparency and openness in communicating with tourists. “Let’s not focus on what is closed, but what is open. I believe it is better to tell the truth instead of feeling misled.”
He said, “The re -opening process will begin in a phased manner in the coming days. I have visited the Beetab Valley myself to assess the situation and create confidence. All the destinations will open once again, but some will be slowly accessible.”
The Chief Minister assured the tour operators that he would be consulted in this process. “With the administration, we will ensure that the destinations are reopened responsibly in a timely manner.”
On attracting international tourists, CM said, “In our experience, international guests after domestic tourism showed signs of recovery. The first sign of normal condition is when school children and domestic tourists again start visiting a picnic spot. Once this wave appears, international booking will have to be followed. While we should continue to promote world levels, I have a strong attention on domestic tourism.”
Confirming his faith in the revival process, he said, “We have traveled a long way. What happened, but with your courage and commitment, I am sure we will remove it and bounce back.”
He admitted that some shortcomings exist and assurance that they would be addressed from moving forward. “We know about the gaps – and we will take action on them.”
Tour operators interacting with the Chief Minister represented traveling and a cross-section of operators and bodies like Raja Rani Travels, Pooja Travels, Heena.
Travels, Veena World, of Beat Destinations, KK Tours, Jai Mata de Travels, Arihants Travels, Madhuchanda Travels, TAFI, Kas Travels, Ado, Bacon Tours PVT Limited, Trans Global Travels, Sharil Travels, Sharm Harshil Travels (Otures), OTATO (OTARS), ATA (Jain (Jain Travel Association), Thomas Cook, Tamarind, Craft Vacation and Travel Lounge.
Representatives of the National Print and Electronic Media also interacted with the CM with local tour operators, hotel businessmen, travel and tourism stakeholders.
During the session, former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, CM Nasir Aslam Wani’s advisor, Pahgam and Bijbehara MLA, Director Tourism, MD JKTDC and advisor to other senior officials.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister presided over a cabinet meeting at Pahalgam. He described it as more than a routine ‘Council Councils’ session, calling it a strong message against terrorism. “Enemies of peace will not be able to stop our resolve. Jammu and Kashmir firm stands united and unknowingly.”
The Chief Minister also met local delegations under the leadership of MLA Pahgam. He said, “valuable insight to local issues and aspirations was shared. Recently extended support by local people during the tragedy – for both tourists and administration – was exemplary,” he said.
He also visited the Nanwan Base Camp to review the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, interacted with the authorities on the ground, and emphasized the importance of coordination to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims.
After the visit to Betab Valley, the Chief Minister visited a local hotel from a local hotel to Nunwan Base Camp and Back, to promote new initiatives by the tourism department to promote the new initiatives taken towards permanent tourism and eco-tourism, a message that has been strongly advocated by CM Umar Abdullah, which also handles the portfolio of Tourism Minister in J&K.