Is Jammu & Kashmir the Next Safe Tourist Destination? Omar Abdullah Advocates for Statehood Restoration

Chennai, Sep 13 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, announced on Saturday that the majority of tourist spots in the Union Territory have reopened, ensuring that the government is implementing all necessary measures to bring back holidaymakers and film crews.

While speaking to reporters in Chennai during an event hosted by The Good Deeds Club, Abdullah remarked that there is a notable lack of visitors from Tamil Nadu and other southern states, emphasizing that his administration is actively working to enhance connectivity.

“We anticipate that in the upcoming months and years, an increasing number of films will be made in Kashmir, and we expect a surge in tourism,” he stated.

In response to questions regarding the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, Abdullah highlighted that a thorough security assessment has been completed, and while certain areas are still closed, the majority are now accessible with appropriate security measures in place.

On the political front, he reiterated that the National Conference remains aligned with the INDIA bloc. “The Congress is part of the coalition in J&K, although they are not currently in government. They have expressed their intent to join once Statehood is reinstated,” he elaborated.

He welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Manipur, stating it was “better late than never” in light of the prolonged criticism regarding his absence following the 2023 ethnic violence. “We hope his visit fosters peace and bridges gaps between communities,” Abdullah commented.

Regarding the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket match on Sunday, he noted that there has never been an issue with multilateral tournaments, only with bilateral series, adding that sports in the subcontinent often become entangled in political disputes.

The Chief Minister firmly reiterated his call for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, recalling the commitments made by the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and others during discussions in the Supreme Court. “There is no justifiable reason for this promise not to be fulfilled. Law and order, as well as policing, should be under an elected administration,” he emphasized.

Abdullah criticized the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act, labeling it a misuse of authority and “an excessive application of force.” He reminded that his party had already passed a resolution in the Assembly advocating for the restoration of J&K’s special status and asserted that there would be no concession on the people’s mandate.

On the Special Intensive Revision initiative by the Election Commission, Abdullah expressed concern that it could undermine the integrity of the electoral body, citing dissatisfaction during its implementation in Bihar. He asserted that India must return to the standards established by T.N. Seshan, whose tenure as Chief Election Commissioner was synonymous with independence and fairness.