Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced that a memorial will be built for the 26 people who lost their lives in the April 22 terror attack at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam.
“From the very beginning, we’ve intended to build a memorial at Baisaran in remembrance of those 26 innocent lives,” Abdullah stated. “It will serve as a permanent homage and a symbol that they will always be remembered.”
Speaking to a gathering of travel and tourism professionals from across India, the Chief Minister highlighted the need to rejuvenate tourism in the Union Territory.
"During today's cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, Public Works Department has been accorded in-principle approval to proceed with the memorial project," he announced on Tuesday evening.
He further added that suggestions would be solicited so that the design should embody grace and seriousness. "The memorial should be both grand and dignified," he added.
Registering gratitude to the tour operators present there, Abdullah stated, "Your visit today in Pahalgam is greatly appreciated. Several of you were instrumental in ensuring tourism returned to its normal self here, even when locals themselves were afraid to venture out."
Although recognizing the ongoing security issues in the region, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures.
We don't control the security apparatus as much as we would like," he conceded, "but I think what occurred shouldn't have occurred. We need to do everything we can to avoid such an event in the future."
With tourist sites starting to reopen following the devastating Baisaran disaster, Abdullah urged locals to approach visitors openly.
“Rather than dwelling on closures, let us highlight what’s available. It's better to be honest with tourists than to leave them feeling misled,” he advised.
He further promised that tour operators would be actively involved in the reopening efforts.
“In coordination with the administration, we’ll work to ensure that destinations are reopened in a safe and well-planned manner,” he said.
Referring to the return of foreign tourists, Abdullah underscored the need for domestic tourism as a starting point.
"Domestic tourism normally precedes international travelers," he noted. "The first sign of normalcy is when school groups and local families start visiting public places."
"International promotion is still crucial, but momentum comes from domestic tourism," he further concluded.
In the course of engagement, national media representatives, local tourist authorities, hoteliers, and other travel industry stakeholders interacted with the Chief Minister, offering insights into regaining confidence in the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir.
