Jammu And Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah Announces Memorial For Pahalgam Attack Victims
Omar Abdullah said that suggestions would be sought to ensure that the memorial is not only magnificent but also dignified and respectful.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday announced to built a memorial in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadows to commemorate the 26 individuals who lost their their lives in April 22's terror attack.
'We have been discussing this from day one — a memorial will be set up in Baisaran for the 26 innocent lives lost, as a lasting tribute and a reminder that they will never be forgotten," the Chief Minister said.
While addressing a gathering of tour and travel operators, Abdullah emphasised the importance of reviving the declining tourism in the erstwhile state. 'In today's cabinet meeting, the Public Works Department was authorised to grant in- principle approval for this memorial," he added.
He further said that suggestions would be sought to ensure that the memorial is not only magnificent but also dignified and respectful.
Earlier, Abdullah convened a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, a symbolic gesture aimed at projecting defiance against terror and a steadfast commitment to the region's development.
In his first press conference since the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran meadows, Abdullah said that tourism should be 'conflict-neutral" and not serve as a gauge for normalcy.
The choice of Pahalgam for holding a special cabinet meeting aims to show solidarity with the residents of the tourist town, which has experienced a sharp decline in tourist footfall since the devastating April 22 terror attack.
Abdullah also focused on the complex governance structure in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the context of security and tourism revival and said that 'there is a strange system in JK as tourism is my responsibility, but security is not my responsibility.
Earlier, an advocacy group and non governmental organisation (NGO), People's Action, had written to the Chief Minister to consider setting up a memorial to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
In a statement, the group had said, 'People's Action has reminded CM Abdullah of a proposal it submitted on May 2, seeking to commemorate the victims of the Pahalgam massacre at Baisaran Valley."
In the letter, the NGO had emphasised the need for India to acknowledge the loss of innocent lives and to create a memorial that serves as a reminder of the region's long-standing struggles with terrorism and religious persecution.
'We are hopeful that the Chief Minister will lead this effort to bring closure to a tragic incident that deeply impacted many lives," Sanjay Kaul, founder of People's Action had said as quoted by news agency PTI.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage.
After the attack, the diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan were downgraded with New Delhi announcing several punitive measures, including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength, closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines and expulsion of its military attaches.
(With inputs from bureau, agencies)
First Published:
May 27, 2025, 21:26 IST
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