More Tourists Returning to JK, Omar Abdullah Tells Reporters in Kolkata

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday that the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a revival, with the number of tourists visiting the Union Territory steadily increasing.

Speaking to reporters in West Bengal, where he is attending a Tourism Fair, Omar Abdullah said, “Things are not as bad as you are describing. A good number of tourists are returning to the region. The Amarnath Yatra has also commenced a few days ago, and a significant number of devotees are visiting the holy cave shrine via both routes. They are satisfied with the situation on the ground.”

He added that his visit to Kolkata was aimed at promoting tourism. “We want more people from West Bengal to visit Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Tourism activities in the region have picked up momentum with the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra. Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, said on Tuesday that the sector is showing signs of recovery and last year’s figures may be matched soon.

She made the remarks while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the two-day National Secretaries Conference held at SKICC, which was attended by tourism secretaries from all states and Union Territories.

During the conference, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, referred to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, as an “Amavas ki kali raat” (a dark night of no moon). He said that while the incident was tragic, the country must move forward with resilience and unity.

“We must not let one dark night define the future. We have to forget the Pahalgam terror attack as ‘Amavas ki kali raat’ and focus on building a brighter tomorrow,” Shekhawat said while addressing the Tourism Secretaries’ Meet of Union Territories. (KNO)