Tourism should be conflict-neutral, says Omar Abdullah in Pahalgam

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that tourism should be treated as a conflict-neutral and purely economic activity. 

Speaking at a press conference in the scenic town of Pahalgam in connection with a meeting of tour operators of Kashmir and other states, Omar stressed that tourism should be protected from politics and conflict.

“Tourism is a source of livelihood for thousands. It should not be linked to conflict or politics,” he said. “Unfortunately, it often becomes a victim of the situation in Kashmir.”

He was referring to the recent terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, which left 25 tourists and one local horse ride operator dead.

The incident forced the closure of nearly 50 tourist sites. 

Omar called for the reopening of places like Betab Valley and gardens in Srinagar, such as Badamwari and the Tulip Garden in Kashmir.

“I am here with my cabinet colleagues to meet local people. We hope that security audits will soon allow these spots to reopen,” he said.

Omar said the recent weeks had been tough for the whole country, but especially for Jammu and Kashmir. 

“We will do everything we can to come out of this crisis. The state government will take the necessary steps, and I am hopeful the Centre will support us.”

When asked whether the ministers from certain states who arrived in Kashmir after visiting Pahalgam wanted to bring back tourists from their states to help boost tourism in Kashmir, they stated that conditions need to be created for tourists to return..

Dismissing suggestions that the attack was linked to the high tourist numbers often quoted by the government after the abrogation of Article 370, Omar said, “Quoting tourism figures is not a crime. I did that too as chief minister. But tourism must remain neutral, not politicised.”

He said that safety and the perception of security were key to reviving tourism. “Tourism cannot grow without a sense of safety. It’s the responsibility of both the Centre and the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

On financial help for hoteliers and those affected, Omar said the government is in talks with stakeholders about relief measures, including reducing EMIs. 

About the lack of road access to Baisaran being blamed for the number of casualties, he said that if they built a road through the forest, they would be accused of damaging the environment.

He said his government will do everything within its means to help revive tourism. However, he was quick to add that security was not his government's domain.

He said that he attended a NITI Ayog meeting in New Delhi two days back, where he discussed the situation with the prime minister.

“ We discussed several things about the revival of tourism and several measures are in the offing,” he said.

Asked whether the Amarth Yatra starting July 3 could hamper the revival of tourism in Kashmir, the chief minister said there are many other tourist spots apart from Pahalgam and Sonmarg—the two places act as the base camp and exit point for the yatra, where the tourists can go.  

Tourism