Gulmarg, May 28 (KNS ): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for a united front between the Union Government, the elected leadership, and the Raj Bhavan to ensure the safety of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.

“I can create the infrastructure for tourism. I can ensure that the tourists come and have a good visit. But the security of the tourists currently resides within the powers of the Lieutenant Governor. And that is the point I made — that the Union Government, the elected government, and the Raj Bhavan need to work together to ensure that what happened on the 22nd of April doesn’t happen again,” Abdullah said after chairing a cabinet meeting in Gulmarg according to KNS correspondent.

He stressed that rebuilding confidence starts from within and cited recent high-level engagements across the Valley. “Now, before people from outside come here, we should first ourselves show confidence,” he said, referring to the government’s outreach. “Just yesterday in Pahalgam, a Cabinet meeting was held. Today in Gulmarg, administrative secretaries and senior heads of departments (HODs) gathered.”

Abdullah also made a case for more visible movement and public participation at tourist destinations.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He emphasized that today's and yesterday's are important for spreading positivity about the region. “Second, it does publicity,” he said. “And after that, I have asked the Education Minister to start excursions and picnics for schoolchildren. We can take them to Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and other destinations so that we can revive some sense of normalcy.”

Referring to the recent attack in Betab Valley and subsequent closure of many tourist places across Kashmir, Abdullah said that they also had no option. “I know that what happened on the 22nd was our helplessness. But if tourism is to be restored again, then we need to open these places again."

Omar Abdullah highlighted that from Kathua to Kupwara, whether it is Chenab, Pir Panjal, Kashmir Valley, or Jammu... our big cities, our small cities — people were out on April 22 to protest against the killings.” he said.

In a strong concluding message, Abdullah defended the local population. “Kashmiris did not do this. Kashmiris did not attack tourists,” he declared, (KNS)