Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday held a special Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, which was hit by a deadly terror attack in April, sending out a strong message that "cowardly acts of terrorism will not stop tourism in the Valley".
The symbolic move, the first of its kind in recent memory, was aimed at projecting normalcy and boosting tourism in one of Kashmir's most scenic but sensitive destinations. On April 22, Pahalgam witnessed a gruesome terrorist strike that claimed 26 civilian lives and triggered fresh fears about the safety of visitors in the region.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Abdullah said, "We did not come here just to tick off a government formality. We came here to give a strong message that terrorism and bloodshed will not stop tourism, happiness and development in Jammu and Kashmir".
Furthermore, the Chief Minister called for tourism in the region to be treated as a "conflict-neutral" space, highlighting its vital role in the local economy. "Tourism should remain a conflict-neutral activity as it is a lifeline for thousands of families in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
Abdullah also lauded the courage shown by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those living in Pahalgam, in the aftermath of the April massacre. "This meeting is our way of thanking them — for their resilience, for raising their voice against terrorism, and for not giving in to fear," Abdullah said.
After the meeting, the Chief Minister's office posted on X pictures of the Cabinet discussions held at the Pahalgam club.
"Chaired a Cabinet Meeting at Pahalgam today. It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message - we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror," the Chief Minister's office wrote on X.
"The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu and Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid," it said.
This was the first time the Cabinet met outside the traditional power centres of Srinagar and Jammu during this government's term. The decision to convene in Pahalgam was a symbolic gesture of support for the hill town, reeling from plummeting tourist numbers after the April 22 terror attack.