Tourists Coming Back to Kashmir in Good Numbers: J&K CM Omar
In a heartening development, Kashmir’s tourism sector is witnessing a surge, with pilgrims arriving in large numbers for the Amarnath Yatra. This comes as a welcome news after the recent Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was attending a tourism fair in Kolkata, expressed his desire to see tourists from West Bengal visit the valley in good numbers.
The Amarnath Yatra, which is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages, has been attracting thousands of devotees from across the country. The yatra, which is conducted every year during the holy month of Shravan, is a significant contributor to the valley’s economy. The recent surge in pilgrims is a testament to the fact that despite the recent attacks, Kashmir remains a popular tourist destination.
The Chief Minister’s statement comes as a relief to the tourism industry, which had been reeling under the impact of the recent attacks. The Pahalgam attack, which took place in May, had sent shockwaves across the country and raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the valley. However, the Chief Minister’s statement suggests that the government is taking steps to ensure the safety and security of tourists.
Abdullah’s statement is also significant in the context of the valley’s tourism industry, which has been struggling to recover from the effects of the 2019 Pulwama attack. The attack, which killed over 40 CRPF personnel, had a devastating impact on the tourism industry, with many tourists canceling their trips to the valley. However, the recent surge in pilgrims suggests that the industry is slowly recovering.
The Chief Minister’s statement is also significant in the context of the recent efforts to promote tourism in the valley. The Jammu and Kashmir government has been making efforts to promote tourism in the valley, with a focus on promoting the valley’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism. The government has also been working to improve infrastructure and provide better amenities to tourists.
The Chief Minister’s statement is also significant in the context of the valley’s economy. Tourism is one of the mainstay of the valley’s economy, and the recent surge in pilgrims is expected to boost the economy. The valley’s economy has been struggling in recent years, with many industries suffering due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns.
The Chief Minister’s statement is also significant in the context of the valley’s relations with West Bengal. The two states have a long history of cultural and economic ties, and the Chief Minister’s statement is seen as an effort to strengthen these ties. West Bengal is an important market for Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry, and the Chief Minister’s statement is expected to boost tourism from the state.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister’s statement is a welcome development for the tourism industry in Kashmir. The recent surge in pilgrims is a testament to the fact that despite the recent attacks, Kashmir remains a popular tourist destination. The Chief Minister’s statement is also significant in the context of the valley’s economy and its relations with West Bengal.
