Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at State Secretariat
| Photo Credit:
DEBASISH BHADURI
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said tourism is “bouncing back” in the Union Territory after the Pahalgam terror attack as there has been a “noticeable increase” in the number of direct flights now.
Abdullah met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the State Secretariat, ‘Nabanna’. He invited Banerjee to visit J&K. Accepting the invitation, the Bengal CM expressed her willingness to travel there after the Durga Puja festivities later this year.
Earlier in the Day, Abdullah attended the inauguration programme of TTF, a travel and tourism fair, in the city. Speaking at the event, he appealed to potential tourists from West Bengal to visit Jammu and Kashmir, assuring all security-related measures.
Security in place
“I understand everybody’s concern after the Pahalgam terror attack. But be assured that all security-related steps have been taken by the government. And also trust the people who have been to the place after the attack, rather than believing those sitting outside and making judgments without even knowing the place,” he said.
In the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, on April 22, 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, sparking nationwide outrage and prompting a strong response from India against Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism.
“2025 is not an easy year for us. The year can be divided into two parts —before and after the Pahalgam attack. We all see that tourism is bouncing back in J&K. There is a message of hope,” Abdullah said, adding that the Amarnath yatra is also taking place.
There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of direct flights to J&K, the Chief Minister said. “Tourism is bouncing back. I am here in the city (Kolkata) to boost that”, he said.
Informing that tourists are now allowed to visit Pahalgam, he said there are some places where the government is conducting security audits. “We are working to give tourists a safe and secure destination,” Abdullah added.
“After the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, Didi (Banerjee) had sent a team to Poonch, Rajouri, and other areas, affected by cross-border shelling, to meet the affected families and provide necessary help. I am thankful to her,” he said after meeting Banerjee at the state secretariat.
Invites Didi
“I want to extend an invitation to Didi to visit Jammu and Kashmir. In future, I want Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir to work together for the betterment of trade, tourism, and relations. It is our duty to provide all necessary support and safety to tourists from Bengal,” Abdullah said.
The West Bengal Chief Minister requested the Centre to take urgent steps to ensure security of Jammu and Kashmir, saying this is essential to boost tourism in the region. “The Centre must take steps to ensure safety and security so that more and more tourists visit Kashmir. It must also strengthen border security in the region,” Banerjee told reporters after the meeting.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir are like our brothers and sisters. I have been invited to visit Jammu and Kashmir, and I have accepted the invitation. I will try to visit after Durga Puja. I am ready to provide all possible assistance to Jammu and Kashmir, and I urge tourists from Bengal to visit the region,” she added.
Published on July 10, 2025