Omar Abdullah chairs cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, says tourism a 'conflict-neutral' activity

Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, which is a key economic means for the union territory, took a severe hit after the attack as tourists fled the region.

A month after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam killed 26 people, chief minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting in the region as part of an attempt to revive tourism.

Speaking at a press conference, the J&K chief minister called for an increase in tourism. (X/@OmarAbdullah)

This meeting in Pahalgam also marks the first time a cabinet meeting has been held outside the capital of Srinagar or Jammu.

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, which is a key economic means for the union territory, took a severe hit as tourists fled the region.

Speaking at a press conference, the J&K chief minister called for an increase in tourism.

"We want the world to look at Jammu & Kashmir's tourism as an economic activity. We have to take steps with caution, but we will try to ensure that tourism begins in Kashmir and the valley soon. The last 5-6 weeks have been tough for the nation, but J&K has paid the highest price. The government of J&K will decide what steps we need to take to overcome this situation," the JKNC leader was quoted as saying by ANI.

On April 22, four-six terrorists opened fire at a group of tourists in Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam. The terror attack, which was considered to be one of the deadliest in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack, triggered a stand-off between India and Pakistan.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched a military strike under Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The military operation resulted in retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Pakistan across northern and western states in India.