Srinagar, April 25: In the aftermath of the recent terror attack on civilians at Baisaran, Pahalgam, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday convened a detailed interaction with business stakeholders from Kashmir’s tourism, travel, and trade sectors at SKICC, Srinagar.
The meeting commenced with a minute of silence in memory of the victims, expressing solidarity with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic incident.
The interaction was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretaries of Industries & Commerce and Tourism, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, senior police officials, and other concerned officers.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “We collectively condemn the Pahalgam terror incident, mourn the loss of 26 innocent lives, and extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
He noted the pain of meeting the victims’ families—many of whom were visiting Kashmir on their honeymoon or family vacation. “As the Tourism Minister myself, I found it extremely difficult to meet their families. I was at a loss for words,” he added.
Highlighting the collective outrage and unity across the Valley in the wake of the attack, Omar Abdullah said this unified response sends a powerful, silent message to those who seek to sow fear and division.
He commended the business community for taking a principled stand, saying, “You’ve clearly said this act was not in our name—neither have we ever supported such violence, nor will we ever in the future.”
The Chief Minister assured that all constructive suggestions offered during the meeting would be seriously considered to help prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Addressing concerns regarding harassment faced by Kashmiri students and traders outside Kashmir, he informed the gathering that he had spoken directly with the Union Home Minister, who assured him of necessary protective measures. An advisory will be issued in this regard, and the Home Minister has also personally reached out to several state Chief Ministers. Omar Abdullah said that he too has spoken to his counterparts in other states to ensure the safety of Kashmiris across India.
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He lauded the tourism and business stakeholders for not focusing on financial losses or seeking compensation, saying, “Business will come and go. Right now, our primary concern is to express our grief and stand in solidarity with those affected by this senseless attack.”
He added that discussions on economic impact can take place later, once the immediate pain of the tragedy has been addressed.
Referring to the two-minute silence observed at Jamia Masjid Srinagar earlier today, the Chief Minister called it “a strong and dignified response” to the propaganda peddled by some news channels against Kashmiris.
He paid special tribute to Syed Adil Hussain, a local who lost his life while trying to save tourists during the attack, calling him a “symbol of Kashmiri hospitality.” Omar Abdullah assured that his government would take steps to honour his memory and support his family.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani said, “This incident has shaken us to the core.” He appreciated the people of Kashmir for rising in protest against the attack and sending a clear message across the country and the world that “this act has no place in our society or our religion.”
Earlier, stakeholders from the tourism sector unanimously condemned the attack, calling it a “murder of humanity.” They emphasized that the Valley is in deep mourning and that commercial concerns are secondary at this time.
They proposed several measures, including: formation of a coordination committee comprising administration, security agencies, and tourism stakeholders; protection and welfare of Kashmiri students and businesspersons outside Kashmir.
Besides, they suggested the Establishment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at key tourist destinations and countering misinformation and biased media narratives.
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The Chairman of Raja & Rani Tour and Travels informed the gathering that the Maharashtra Tour and Travel Operators’ Association has pledged to adopt Syed Adil Hussain’s family.
The association will support the educational needs of his children and provide long-term assistance to his family.
Furthermore, the association has decided that no tour bookings to Kashmir will be cancelled, in a strong show of support and solidarity.
