Pehalgam May 27 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, delivering a firm message against terrorism and reaffirming his government’s commitment to peace. The meeting was held nearly a month after a deadly terror attack in the town claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists.
This marked the first cabinet session outside Srinagar and Jammu since Abdullah assumed office, with the decision aimed at showing solidarity with the people of Pahalgam and restoring confidence in the region’s security and tourism prospects.
“The cabinet meeting in Pahalgam wasn’t just routine governance — it was a message of courage and resilience,” the Chief Minister’s Office posted on X, sharing images of ministers gathered at the Pahalgam Club.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah said the move was a tribute to the courage of local residents and a clear signal to those who seek to disrupt peace. According to KNS, he said, “We will never allow violence to dictate the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The people of this region are brave and determined.”
The April 22 terror attack led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, dealing a blow to the local economy. Officials noted that holding the cabinet meeting in Pahalgam serves to reassure both residents and tourists that the government stands firmly by them.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
During the meeting, Abdullah also announced new measures to revive tourism. According to KNS, he said, “We are expecting a group of 60 tour operators from Maharashtra in the coming days. Tourism should remain free from conflict and political interference. My government is committed to ensuring that.”
The cabinet’s outreach follows Abdullah’s recent appeal at the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, where he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to encourage public sector undertakings and parliamentary committees to hold official meetings in Jammu and Kashmir to uplift the economy and morale.
“This isn’t about politics,” Abdullah had earlier told the Assembly. “I will not misuse a tragic incident for political advantage. Our focus is on unity, resilience, and the well-being of our people.”
On April 28, a special one-day Assembly session in Jammu unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam attack and pledging to preserve peace and communal harmony in the Union Territory.
Abdullah’s visit to Pahalgam continues his earlier governance initiatives. Between 2009 and 2014, he had held cabinet meetings in several remote and border areas, including Gurez, Machil, Tangdhar, Rajouri, and Poonch — taking administration to the people’s doorstep in difficult times.(KNS)