J&K CM Omar Abdullah Chairs Historic Cabinet Meet In Pahalgam; Farooq Abdullah Swings Back At Terrorism With Golf To Revive Tourism (VIDEO)

Pahalgam: In a move to boost confidence and counter fear after the devastating April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a landmark cabinet meeting in Pahalgam on Monday, May 26. This is the first time in his tenure that a cabinet session has been held outside the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu.

The meeting comes after the brutal attack in Baisaran Valley that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including one Nepali national, sending shockwaves through the region and devastating the local tourism economy. Holding the cabinet meet in Pahalgam was a deliberate signal, with the Chief Minister’s Office stating, “It was not just a routine administrative exercise, but a clear message, we are not intimidated by cowardly acts of terror.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on May 27, he wrote, "In Pahalgam to chair a cabinet meeting. We came to express solidarity with the local population. We’ve also come to thank all the tourists who are slowly making their way back to Kashmir & to Pahalgam."

Have a look at his post here:

Pahalgam, once a jewel in Kashmir’s tourism crown, witnessed a sharp decline in visitors since the terror attack. The government is now determined to reverse that trend. Although specific agenda details from the meeting remain under wraps, officials confirmed to PTI that the venue itself was a message; violence will not derail peace, development, or tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The high-profile cabinet session also follows Abdullah’s recent pitch at the NITI Aayog Governing Council to incentivise Public Sector Undertakings and parliamentary bodies to hold meetings in the region. “These measures will send a strong message of security and stability, encouraging tourism and economic revival,” Omar said during the Council meet, as quoted by PTI.

In addition, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah was spotted teeing off at the lush Pahalgam Golf Course.

Speaking to CNN News18, Farooq said, “This is a message to the country and the world that we aren’t frightened. We have to move forward. If you give in, you lose the battle against terrorism.”