Tourism still reeling under Pahalgam attack impact, anticipating revival: CM Omar

Jammu, Apr 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday stated that the tourism in J&K was reeling under the impact of Pahalgam terror attack to some extent even a year after the tragedy yet exuded optimism about turnaround with gradual increase in tourist-influx during peak season.

While poignantly remembering those killed in Pahalgam terror attack last year and paying tributes to them, CM Omar asserted that all, who were part of governance grid, were working with “whole of government approach” to prevent recurrence of Pahalgam-like tragedy.

He was responding to media queries after visiting the April 20 Ramagar accident victims, undergoing treatment at Government Medical College, Udhampur.

Regarding the Ramnagar accident, the Chief Minister stated that it occurred due to negligence of the bus owner yet assured stringent action after receiving the inquiry report.

On account of the US-Iran war, CM Omar called for its early end while reiterating that it was impacting the entire world though the situation was comparatively better in India so far.

REMEMBERING PAHALGAM VICTIMS WITH HEAVY HEART

“All of us recall this day (April 22) with a heavy heart as it reminds us of that unfortunate and painful tragedy that struck Pahalgam. We remember all those martyrs, who fell prey to the bullets (of assassins) for no fault of theirs. They (tourists) had come to enjoy vacations yet were targetted by those terrorists. They (terrorists) brutally snatched away those precious lives. All of us mourn that terrible loss and still stand in solidarity while sharing the grief of their families,” he said, while responding to a query about the Pahalgam terror attack on its first anniversary on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

CM Omar said on the day of Pahalgam tragedy, the helmsmen with a “whole of government” approach had decided not to allow recurrence of such tragedy ever again.

“On that day we had decided and we still stand committed to that resolve that we – all who form part of the governing grid- would and should make all-out endeavours not to allow the recurrence of tragedies like this (Pahalgam) ever again. For that whether it is the elected government; central government or law and order machinery – we will work together in perfect synergy to make this endeavour successful,” he asserted.    

With regard to a query if he witnessed any change in the approach of Pakistan vis-à-vis sponsoring of terrorism in J&K post Operation Sindoor, the Chief Minister remarked that it could be replied only by those, privy to such intel inputs.

“This you’ll have to ask those who get such kind of intelligence reports. I can only tell you that our all-out endeavour will only be that such mishaps or (terror) attacks, even if Pakistan wishes to undertake yet again, will not be allowed to happen ever – our all efforts will be directed at this approach only,” he remarked.    

Confronted with a query about the evolving scenario with regard to tourism in J&K after it nosedived following Pahalgam terror attack, CM Omar, “To give a report card is your (media) job. Our focus is to make endeavours to bring normalcy, improve the situation and make it congenial.”

“It is correct to say that as compared to last year, tourism was still reeling under the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack to some extent,” he said.

Yet in the next breath, he exuded optimism vis-a-vis turnaround in the number of people as the (tourism) season would progress.

“However, as the tourism season progresses, we hope that a good number of people will visit J&K – whether they come to pay obeisance to Mata (Vaishnodevi) or (Baba) Amarnathji or purely for tourism purposes,” CM Omar said.

Regarding the upcoming AmarnathYatra, he said, “We want maximum influx of people here in J&K to pay obeisance at Amarnathji shrine.”  

NEGLIGENCE OF BUS OWNER COSTS PRECIOUS LIVES IN RAMNAGAR

With regard to questions about the Ramnagar bus accident that occurred on April 20 claiming 21 lives and rendering around 60 others injured, the Chief Minister assured action after the completion of inquiry ordered by the Deputy Commissioner Udhampur in the incident. He asserted that the incident occurred due to negligence of the bus owner.

“This was a very tragic incident which claimed many precious lives. The most unfortunate thing is that this mishap occurred due to the negligence of the bus owner. He (owner) handed over the command of the bus to the person who was not its (bus’) actual driver. Actual driver was on leave and the owner handed over the steering of the bus to a person, who was driving the truck earlier,” CM Omar said.

He stated it could not be said that the action was not taken by the government against such people.

“When the previous roll of this bus was checked, it was found that the driver of the same bus was challaned for over 15 times. Now DC has instituted an inquiry. One of our senior officers is investigating this incident. Let the investigation be completed. Once we receive the report of the officer. All the recommendations will be implemented,” the Chief Minister assured.

He rejected the contention that the accident occurred because of dilapidated condition of road.

“No there was no problem on account of the (condition of) road. Had the road been in dilapidated condition, probably this accident would not have occurred. That condition would have compelled the driver to drive slowly, cautiously. Problem is – we do repair the roads. But we cannot fix the minds and behaviour of drivers. They would operate vehicles on the wrong side, resort to over-speeding and overloading,” he pointed out.

The Chief Minister asserted that the government would definitely fulfil its responsibility as it remained accountable always but the transport operators too needed to act responsibly. 

CALLS FOR END TO US-IRAN WAR

Responding to queries about a probable fresh round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad to end war in West Asia, the Chief Minister said, “We want that the war should end. In the first instance, this war should not have happened. Why was Iran attacked- this question can be answered by only two countries – One America and the second one Israel. What was their objective- we still did not comprehend it. Whatever they did- was wrong. But at least now, they should stop it.”

“The war must stop as every country across the world is being impacted by this war – one way or the other way. Oil prices are spiralling up and its supply is getting disrupted. Essential supplies and the supply chain are getting impacted. Still, as compared to other countries, the situation in our country is better. European countries have started rationing provision of fuel supply for ships or planes. In our neighbouring country, they are permitting planes but not allowing them to refuel before departure,” CM Omar said.

He asserted that compared to that scenario, the situation in India was way better. “Still we want that war should end as early as possible,” he added.