NuzTube INDIA
In a bold and symbolic move to reaffirm normalcy and counter the narrative of fear, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam on Tuesday — the first such gathering to take place outside Srinagar or Jammu since his administration assumed office in October 2024.
The meeting holds significant emotional and political weight, as it was convened at the very site that witnessed a brutal terror attack on April 22, which left 25 people dead, including a civilian and several tourists. The incident had triggered widespread panic and led to a steep decline in tourist footfall in the scenic town of Pahalgam.
To underscore the government’s solidarity with the local population and its unflinching stand against terrorism, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared serene images of Pahalgam’s Lidder stream, calling attention to the region’s untouched beauty and cultural resilience.
“In Pahalgam to chair a cabinet meeting. We came to express solidarity with the local population. We’ve also come to thank all the tourists who are slowly making their way back to Kashmir and to Pahalgam,” the Chief Minister wrote on X (formerly Twitter), alongside captivating images of the crystal-clear Lidder waters flowing against a majestic Himalayan backdrop.
📌 Key Agendas of the Meeting
The special cabinet meeting primarily focused on two pivotal areas:
- Security and logistics for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2025 — a key religious pilgrimage that annually draws thousands of Hindu devotees.
- Revival of tourism in Pahalgam and other key areas of the Kashmir Valley, which have seen sharp drops in bookings and footfall post the terror attack.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials and ministers, reflecting the government’s intent to take proactive measures not only to heal but also to rebuild.
🗣️ Local Engagement and Praise for Community Support
Following the meeting, Omar Abdullah also interacted with local citizens, traders, and civil society groups, accompanied by Pahalgam’s MLA Altaf Kaloo. These interactions provided valuable grassroots-level insights into community sentiments, socio-economic challenges, and opportunities to revive local tourism-based livelihoods.
The Chief Minister commended the residents of Pahalgam for their unwavering support to the administration and tourists during the recent tragedy, calling it “exemplary and deeply appreciated.”
“It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message — we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror. The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu & Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid,” Abdullah asserted.
💬 A Message Beyond Bureaucracy
While the cabinet had a structured agenda, its larger purpose was to send a strong message to anti-national elements that the government remains unshaken in its mission to restore peace and stability.
By selecting Pahalgam — a town synonymous with Kashmir’s natural beauty and tourism appeal — as the venue, the Omar Abdullah-led government made it clear that violence will not deter progress or policy-making.
This meeting also marks the first time in over a decade that a cabinet meeting in Jammu & Kashmir has been held outside the twin capital cities — a break from tradition that was deliberate and timely.
🧭 A Call for Central Government Support
Just two days before this landmark cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister had urged the Central Government to adopt a dual strategy to boost tourism:
- Direct all Public Sector Units (PSUs) to conduct their official meetings and events in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Hold parliamentary committee meetings in the valley, especially in key tourist areas like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg.
This, he emphasized, would not only signal national confidence in the region’s safety but also stimulate the local economy by encouraging footfall and investments.
Note : NuzTube INDIA has not written this article. This article is from a syndicate feed.
