J-K CM Omar Abdullah announces memorial at Baisaran for Pahalgam terror victims

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday announced that the government would build a memorial at Baisaran in Pahalgam in memory of the 26 victims of last months terror attackHe said suggestions would be sought to ensure that the memorial is not only magnificent but also dignified and respectfulWe have been discussing this from day onea memorial will be set up in Baisaran for the 26 innocent lives lost as a lasting tribute and a reminder that they will never be forgotten the chief minister saidAddressing a gathering of travel and tour operators from across the country in Pahalgam Abdullah emphasized the importance of reviving tourism in Jammu and KashmirIn todays cabinet meeting held in Pahalgam the Public Works Department was authorized to grant inprinciple approval for this memorial he announcedExtending heartfelt gratitude to the visiting tour operators the chief minister said I thank each one of you for coming to Pahalgam and supporting the revival of tourism I recognize many of you as those who reignited tourism in the valley during the most challenging times when even the locals feared venturing out He recalled the early 1990s when tourism first resumed in the Valley with the arrival of groups from Mumbai and GujaratThey helped restart tourism and brought it to its peak until the events of April 22 No matter how strongly we condemn what happened that day it will never be enough We lack words to comfort the families of those 26 victims We can only bow our heads in their memory he saidWhile acknowledging security challenges in the valley Abdullah stressed the need for strict measures Although we do not fully control the security apparatus I believe what happened should never have happened And we must do everything possible to ensure it never happens again he saidOn the reopening of tourist destinations postBaisaran incident he urged for transparency and openness in communicating with tourists Lets not focus on whats closed but on whats open I believe its better to speak the truth rather than have tourists feel misled The process of reopening will begin in a phased manner in the coming days I visited Betaab Valley myself to assess the situation and to build confidence Not all destinations will reopen at once but some will gradually become accessible he addedAbdullah assured tour operators that they would be consulted throughout this process Together with the administration we will ensure destinations are reopened responsibly in a timely manner he saidOn attracting international tourists the CM said in our experience international guests arrive after domestic tourism shows signs of recoveryThe first sign of normalcy is when school children and domestic tourists begin visiting picnic spots again Once this wave is visible international bookings will follow While we must continue to promote globally I believe a strong focus on domestic tourism will build the right momentum he saidWe have come a long way What happened happened But with your courage and commitment I am certain we will overcome this and bounce back Abdullah added He acknowledged that certain shortcomings exist and assured these would be addressed moving forward We are aware of the gaps and we will act on themThe chief minister also met local delegations led by Pahalgam MLA Valuable insights were shared about local issues and aspirations The support extended by locals during the recent tragedy to both tourists and the administration was exemplary he saidHe also visited Nunwan Base Camp to review preparations for the Amarnath Yatra interacted with officials on the ground and emphasized the importance of coordination for ensuring pilgrims safety and comfortThe visit to Betaab Valley was followed by an impromptu cycling tour by the chief minister from a local hotel to Nunwan Base Camp and back to promote new initiatives taken by Tourism Department towards sustainable tourism Abdullahs two sons Zahir and Zamir accompanied him during the cycling tourThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoeveratOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params