Omar Abdullah urges Bengal tourists to visit J&K
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Kolkata to attend a tourism fair, Abdullah sought to counter negative perceptions surrounding the region's safety.
'The situation is not as bad as it's being portrayed. Tourist arrivals have picked up, and the Amarnath Yatra is underway with a strong turnout via both the Pahalgam and Sonmarg routes,' he said.
He emphasised that pilgrims he had interacted with expressed satisfaction with the prevailing conditions. 'Everyone I spoke to was happy and felt safe. I am here in Kolkata to promote Jammu and Kashmir tourism. I sincerely invite people from Bengal to come and experience our hospitality,' he added.
His remarks come in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives including 25 tourists which had a deep effect on the tourism sector in the valley. Addressing the tragedy, Abdullah voiced confidence in the security forces' efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
'It's difficult terrain, and tracking someone in the mountains isn't easy. But they won't remain hidden for long. Our forces are actively pursuing them,' he said.
Abdullah is also scheduled to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat today.
When asked about the meeting, Abdullah said, 'Yes, I have a meeting with her. Let the meeting happen, then we will talk about it.'
While the agenda remains undisclosed, political analysts speculate the meeting may cover a wide range of issues, including the recent attack, centre-state dynamics, and potential areas of collaboration between the two states.
Following the Pahalgam attack, Banerjee had sent a five-member Trinamool Congress delegation to Jammu and Kashmir, where they engaged with local communities and met Abdullah at his official residence.
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister later praised Banerjee's empathy, saying, 'Mamata Banerjee thought of us. We are grateful for her compassion.'
Abdullah's visit is being viewed as a gesture of gratitude and a step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation. Sources suggest Thursday's meeting may also explore avenues for inter-state partnerships and efforts to revive Kashmir's flagging tourism sector.
Notably, Banerjee's absence from a recent zonal council meeting has raised eyebrows, particularly as she intensifies her outreach to other regional leaders. In recent weeks, she has met with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, signalling broader political engagement.
UNI XC RKM
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