Omar Abdullah Cycles Through Pahalgam to Revive Tourism After April Terror Attack
In a strong show of resilience and a bid to revive the bruised tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cycled through the picturesque town of Pahalgam on Tuesday. The symbolic ride came just over a month after a brutal terrorist attack in the nearby Baisaran Valley killed 26 civilians, including several tourists, causing widespread cancellations and fear among potential visitors.
The April 22 attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), targeted tourists during peak travel season. The tragedy not only claimed innocent lives but also dealt a severe blow to the state’s tourism-dependent economy. Despite 2025 witnessing a record-breaking influx of 2.3 crore tourists prior to the attack, the weeks following the incident saw a sharp decline in arrivals and bookings, especially in south Kashmir.
Determined to restore confidence, CM Abdullah’s bike ride through Pahalgam sent a message of defiance against terrorism and solidarity with the region’s people. “We are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror,” he stated in a post on X, adding that the aim is to ensure that tourism in Jammu and Kashmir remains “conflict-neutral.”
The Chief Minister’s cycling event was part of a broader visit that included holding a Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam — the first time a J&K government has convened a cabinet session outside of Srinagar or Jammu. He emphasized that these initiatives were not merely administrative gestures but were designed to send a clear message: violence will not deter development, nor will it derail the will of the people and their representatives.
CM Abdullah also met with local residents and tourism stakeholders, including a delegation of tour operators from Maharashtra who had come to assess the ground situation. Initially planned as a 20-member group, their number grew to nearly 60, signaling renewed interest and cautious optimism in reviving travel to the region.
In his interaction with the tour operators and locals, Abdullah advocated for the immediate reopening of tourist spots like Betab and Aru valleys, which were closed in the aftermath of the attack for security reasons. “It is time to restore normalcy and ensure that tourism — a lifeline for thousands of families in this region — can flourish without fear,” he said.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by small-scale tourism entrepreneurs. Many have recently taken loans to invest in new vehicles, guest houses, and other tourism-related services, only to be hit by the downturn following the attack. Abdullah reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting these individuals, announcing plans for a comprehensive tourism revival package after the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra concludes.
Earlier this month, Abdullah had chaired a meeting with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat to listen to suggestions and discuss strategies for reviving the industry. Proposed measures include support for hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, handicrafts, and innovative events such as shopping festivals inspired by Dubai’s tourism model.
Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir remains a vital part of the union territory’s economy, providing employment to lakhs of people directly and indirectly. The state government’s recent initiatives, including the Pahalgam Cabinet meeting and the Chief Minister’s public outreach, signal a determined push to bring normalcy and prosperity back to one of India’s most beautiful — and most sensitive — tourist destinations.
With the summer travel season ahead and security measures being tightened across the region, local businesses are hopeful that efforts like these will help rebuild confidence and bring tourists back to the Valley.
