Will a High-Level Meeting in Pahalgam Revive Tourism?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- High-level meeting in Pahalgam scheduled for July 7-8.
- Aimed at reviving tourism in the Kashmir Valley.
- Officials to reassure tourists of their safety.
- Memorial to honor victims of recent attacks.
- Demonstrates a commitment to restoring peace and security.
Srinagar, June 25 (NationPress) A high-level meeting comprising tourism secretaries from all states is scheduled for next month in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at revitalizing tourism in the Kashmir Valley, as per official sources on Wednesday.
The Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to convene this review meeting on July 7 and 8 in Pahalgam to rejuvenate the tourism sector in the Valley.
“This meeting is designed to convey a strong message that tourists can feel safe in Kashmir and should return to their dream destinations in the Valley,” the sources confirmed.
Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently conducted a Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam to reinforce the message that the area is secure for everyone.
The government has also resolved to establish a memorial at Baisaran to honor the victims of recent terrorist violence.
This assembly of tourism secretaries follows the tragic terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Baisaran meadow on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 25 tourists and a local pony owner who was murdered while attempting to protect the tourists.
The entire nation expressed outrage over this cowardly act, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant the armed forces the authority to retaliate for the Pahalgam terror attack.
In response, Indian armed forces executed targeted strikes against terror infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
As a result, Pakistan intensified its shelling on civilian infrastructure in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts.
This retaliatory action resulted in the deaths of 18 civilians, with 13 casualties occurring in Poonch district alone.
Moreover, numerous homes, shops, a temple, a gurdwara, and a church were devastated due to the Pakistani shelling in Poonch.