Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that a back-to-back meeting in tourist resorts Gulmarg and Pahgam is an attempt to create public beliefs and encourage people to go to Kashmir.
The Chief Minister presided over a high-level meeting in Gulmarg to assess the functioning of various departments.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary, ministers Sekena Itu, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javed Ahmed Dar, Satish Sharma, Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary of Legislative Assembly, Gulmarg Farooq Ahmed Shah, CM Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of CM Dheeraj Gupta.
All the administrative secretaries, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Bermula, Senior Police Officer, Chief of several departments, CEO Tourism Development Authority Gulmarg and other officials were also present.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that if Prime Minister can call a meeting to review tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and tour operators from Maharashtra and Gujarat can voluntarily visit the region – because they were invited, but because they want to contribute to the normalization process – then it is mandatory for the state government to take steps.
“These meetings are not symbolic; they are part of a big attempt to start a return to normal position and restore confidence,” he said. “We should do this with sensitivity and without any force.”
He emphasized the importance of participating in major tourism programs outside J&K. “Our absence can send wrong signals from such events. Tour operators, both inside and outside, have expressed the need for our visual presence in the upcoming tourist trade fairs.
Quoting the Urdu couplets, “Nahi Ko Nah-Nak, Nakam Hi is to; Long Hygham’s Sham, but Sham Hi is,” the Chief Minister reflected the importance of optimism during adversity. “These lines, which I recently quoted in the Niti Aayog meeting, serve as a reminder that in dark times, hope must be strong. One of the most difficult stages has been marked recently in recent years, but we have deteriorated in the last four decades and have always found a way to bounce back.”
He said that this was the first time that such an administrative meeting was held outside the twin secretariats of Jammu and Srinagar. “In my previous term, we took the cabinet to remote areas, but senior level departmental reviews were limited to the capitals. Catching this meeting here is to transition away from the unfortunate incidents of the last six weeks.”
Addressing the issue of bandh-beat destinations, he said that the list of 48 such tourist destinations is being reviewed and it will be gradually revised. “Some of these places were never closed even during the worst days. We have to take measured steps to reopen them.”
The CM also talked about including schools and colleges to promote local tourism. “Earlier, during the peak tourist season, we will discourage the student tour due to congestion. Now, we should encourage them. Let the children come and experience these places. This is another step towards the normal situation.”
Referring to his participation at the recent Niti Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that he had urged PM and other ministers to consider Jammu and Kashmir, especially the valley, as a place for central PSU board meetings and conferences – especially in summer when the summer gets relief.
“We had several parliamentary committee meetings in the valley, which were canceled after 22 April. I have requested the Center to work with the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats to bring back the meetings. Some ministers have already committed to do so.”
When livelihood was affected after the initiative attack, he expressed concern for those weakest people. “In recent years, the number of people dependent on tourism has increased significantly. While large businesses can tolerate a recession, small players – such as Shikara operator, taxi driver, and homestay owners – Force Financial Crisis. For them, daily income means daily existence. We are working on a support package to support them.”
He also pointed to the opportunity presented by the current-lal in tourism. “Generally, the peak season leaves us with very little space to focus on development. Now, we can carry forward the pending infrastructure and tourism related projects.”
Touching the upcoming religious events like Mela Kheer Bhavani, Eid, Muharram and Amarnath Yatra, he said that this year’s pilgrimage would be particularly challenging. “From a safety and logical point of view, we must ensure that the journey is easily held. I believe, looking at your experience, that all necessary arrangements will be made.”
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister and ministers shared departmental updates and assured full cooperation. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir presented a detailed review for the division.
The Chief Minister reviewed areas such as Capex Works, Emergency Preparation, Tourism Safety, Sports and Adventure Tourism, Mobile Connectivity and Health and Rural Development.
Preparations for the upcoming religious festivals were discussed in detail.
Later, the Chief Minister also met delegations from various business associations in Gulmarg and interacted with tourists.