Terror Won’t Derail Tourism in Kashmir, Omar Abdullah Holds Cabinet Meet in Pahalgam

In a strong statement against terrorism and in support of Kashmir’s tourism sector, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a rare Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam on Tuesday, just over a month after a deadly terror attack in the hill town killed 26 civilians. The move, Abdullah said, was aimed at showing that “cowardly acts of terror” will not silence the spirit of Kashmir or halt its economic progress.

In a first-of-its-kind gesture, the Jammu and Kashmir government conducted its Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, sending a symbolic message of resistance and resilience in the face of terrorism. The location—one of the state’s top tourist destinations—was rocked by a brutal terror strike on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead and triggered security concerns across the Valley.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the media following the session, stating, “We came here not just for government business, but to reassure every citizen and tourist that terrorism will never defeat our resolve.”

Abdullah called on stakeholders to treat tourism as a “conflict-neutral” sector vital to the Valley’s economy. “Thousands of families depend on it. Tourism is our livelihood, and we cannot let fear rob us of our future,” he said.

He praised the residents of Pahalgam for their courage in the aftermath of the April attack, noting that the Cabinet meeting was as much about governance as it was a tribute to their resilience.

Photos from the session, held at the scenic Pahalgam Club, were posted by the Chief Minister’s Office on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption:
“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.”

Another post read: “The enemies of peace will never dictate our resolve. Jammu and Kashmir stands firm, strong, and unafraid.”

Pahalgam, a picturesque town nestled in the Lidder Valley, has traditionally been a magnet for tourists and pilgrims. But the April 22 terrorist strike—a calculated attack on civilians in a crowded market area—caused a sharp decline in footfall, prompting fears of long-term economic damage to the region.

Since the attack, local businesses, hotel owners, and transport workers have appealed to the administration to restore normalcy and assure visitors of safety.

While no fresh threats have been reported in recent days, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have increased patrols and installed new security checkpoints around tourist hotspots.

“We’re taking all necessary steps to ensure that Kashmir remains safe for tourists. The Cabinet’s presence in Pahalgam is a morale boost for our forces and for locals,” said a senior police official in Anantnag district.