As the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet met on Tuesday in Pahalgam, the tourist destination where terrorists killed 26 civilians last month, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sought to underline one message: Tourism should be a "conflict-neutral" activity, and his government will make every effort to "insulate" it from the developments in the region. Alluding to the challenges of having dual power centres in Jammu and Kashmir – his government and the Lieutenant Governor – Omar said the "three governments" (these two entities and the Centre) need to work together. "Tourism is my responsibility, but the security of the tourists is not my responsibility," he said. "Here, three governments will have to work together: the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir, the unelected government of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Centre.” He said the state is in talks with the Centre to take some "solid steps" to revive tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. "Tourism, I believe, should essentially be a conflict-neutral activity in Jammu and Kashmir, everywhere," Omar said. "For us, it is an economic activity, a means of livelihood. Unfortunately, at times, it has been linked with the situation here. But my government's effort would be to insulate it from the situation here. We want the world to see tourism as an economic activity rather than anything else.” "The last five, six weeks have not been easy for the country, I know, but Jammu and Kashmir has been impacted the most," Omar said. "Our government's effort is to take steps, though cautiously, for the revival of tourism, and I am sure that whatever support we need for the Centre, they will provide.” "Prime Minister sahib has made some forward movement (on reviving tourism). Some days ago, he conducted a meeting, which was attended by all senior officers and the tourism minister," he said. "Two days, ago during the NITI Aayog meeting, I had a chance to talk to Prime Minister sahib. We discussed how tourism can be revived in Jammu and Kashmir. I can't share them here with all, but some solid steps would be taken.” He said that the visit of his cabinet to Pahalgam is not "administrative", but meant to give a sense of security to the people. "Chaired a Cabinet Meeting at Pahalgam today. 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," he posted on X. Omar also pitched for the opening of tourist destinations that were closed to visitors after the Pahalgam attack. "After the Baisaran attack, it was decided to have a security audit of tourist destinations. After the security audit, they could be slowly opened, and they should be opened," Omar said. "I met people here, and even the tourists told me that they have come on their own, but please don't keep them limited to this small place. They said Baisaran can be kept closed, but Betab valley and Aru valley should be opened.” He said 48 destinations were shut for visitors after the attack, including Badamwari and Tulip Garden in Srinagar. "I said if it is essential to close down the Tulip Garden, then we will have to close down the entire Kashmir," Omar said. "There is a conversation going on (about opening of tourist destinations), about Betab valley, Aru valley, Thajiwas glacier in Sonamarg. We will have to show some courage and slowly open these destinations.” He hoped that a "safe Amarnath yatra" would help bring back tourists to Kashmir, and added that his government is exploring how best they can participate in travel and tourism fairs in different parts of the country for the return of tourists.
