PTI
GULMARG (JK), May 28 (PTI) – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam has not disrupted ongoing talks about the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
Addressing reporters in the tourist resort of Gulmarg, Abdullah clarified that the demand for statehood was formally presented during the recent meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council.
“If you refer to the official speech circulated at the NITI Aayog meeting, you’ll find a categorical mention of the return of statehood. It was shared with the Honourable Prime Minister and all members of the council,” he said.
Responding to queries on whether the Pahalgam incident had derailed the statehood agenda, Abdullah said, “Not at all. The conversation is very much alive. The only thing I refrained from doing was discussing it during the special session of the J&K Assembly. That doesn’t mean the dialogue has stopped—it’s ongoing.”
Focus on Tourism Revival
Touching on the revival of tourism in the Valley, the chief minister emphasized that locals must lead the effort by reclaiming their own public spaces.
“I have directed the Education Minister to organize school and college picnics at tourist destinations. Publicity and vibrant activity at these sites are key to restoring normalcy,” Abdullah said after chairing a high-level meeting attended by senior officials, including the IGP Kashmir and SSP Baramulla.
On Tuesday, the chief minister held a cabinet meeting in Pahalgam—a move aimed at signaling safety and stability to both residents and potential visitors.
“Our goal is to send a clear message: Jammu and Kashmir is ready to welcome tourists again,” he said.
Condemns Blame on Kashmiris
Abdullah urged the nation not to blame the people of Kashmir for the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
“This attack wasn’t carried out by Kashmiris, nor did it serve our interest. Punishing an entire population through boycott and mistrust is unjust,” he said, appealing to the Centre to investigate the incident thoroughly and counter the negative narrative.
Memorial Planned for Victims
A cabinet decision has been taken to build a memorial for the victims of the Pahalgam attack. The Roads and Buildings Department has been tasked with inviting design proposals.
“Once we receive the design submissions, the project will move forward,” Abdullah said.
Calls for Coordinated Governance
Highlighting the complexities of governance in a Union Territory, Abdullah said law and order fall under the Lieutenant Governor’s purview.
“There are three power centers at play—the Union government, the elected government, and the Raj Bhavan. Coordination among them is essential to prevent such incidents in the future,” he noted.
Dismissing speculation of friction with the Raj Bhavan, Abdullah added, “You only need a thaw when there’s been a freeze. I’ve never alleged a freeze. I’m simply saying that going forward, cooperation is necessary.”
