Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced that his cabinet will convene its next meeting in Pahalgam, just days after the popular tourist destination was rocked by a deadly terror attack. This decision, departing from the usual venue in Srinagar, is aimed at sending a strong message of resilience, unity, and confidence to residents, tourists, and the broader world.
Earlier this month, Pahalgam, a scenic town known for its lush meadows and as a starting point for the Amarnath Yatra was the site of a brutal terror attack that left several civilians and security personnel dead. The incident sparked widespread fear, led to a temporary dip in tourist arrivals, and raised questions about the region’s security situation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, addressing the media, emphasized the need to “stand with the people of Pahalgam and the entire Kashmir Valley during these testing times.” By shifting the cabinet meeting from Srinagar to Pahalgam, the government hopes to:
Show that the administration is not cowed by terror threats and stands firmly with affected communities.
Send a clear message that Pahalgam remains open and safe for visitors, and that normalcy is being restored.
Provide psychological support to local residents and businesses dependent on tourism, encouraging them to resume daily activities.
Omar Abdullah stated, “Our presence in Pahalgam is a declaration that we will not allow fear to dictate our lives or our governance. The people of Kashmir deserve visible, tangible support from their leaders.”
Ahead of the cabinet meeting, security agencies have ramped up their presence in and around Pahalgam. Multi-layered security arrangements, including road checks, surveillance, and deployment of additional forces, are in place to ensure the safety of ministers, officials, and the public.
Tourism is the lifeblood of Pahalgam and the broader Kashmir region. The recent attack had led to cancellations and a visible drop in hotel bookings. By holding the high-profile cabinet meeting in the heart of Pahalgam, the government hopes to:
Restore confidence among potential visitors
Encourage hoteliers and tour operators to resume business
Signal to the international community that Kashmir is determined to overcome adversity
The move has been widely welcomed by local residents, business owners, and political observers. Many see it as a much-needed gesture of solidarity and a practical step toward restoring normalcy. However, some opposition leaders have cautioned that symbolic actions must be matched by concrete improvements in security and infrastructure.
