Not intimidated by terror, says Omar Abdullah after special cabinet meeting

Pahalgam

Tourism should be conflict neutral and should not be a barometer to project normalcy, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday after a special cabinet meeting here to give a clear message that the government will not be "intimidated by cowardly acts of terror".

The chief minister, in his first press conference after the April 22 terror attack at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, began by expressing gratitude to people for unequivocally condemning terror violence.

"I want to thank the people of Kashmir especially those of Pahalgam who condemned and stood in one voice against the April 22 terror strike on tourists. For this, I thank them and salute them," he said.

The chief minister also said that steps are being taken to support the tourism sector by his administration and the Centre especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held a high-level meeting of stakeholders last week.

"I was in Delhi recently where I had a chance to meet the prime minister on the sidelines of the NITI Aayog meeting. I have apprised him about the condition of the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir and he has assured of complete support," Abdullah said, adding that last week's meeting at the central level had discussed the broad contours for the revival of tourism.

After the special cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the chief minister's office posted on X pictures of the meeting held at the Pahalgam Club.

"The cabinet met here and discussed the government agenda but the meeting in cabinet was to demonstrate that the people will not be cowed down by terrorist violence and our resolve for development of Jammu and Kashmir will continue," he said