Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday, 8 May commended the Indian Army and the civil administration for swiftly rescuing tourists stranded in the higher reaches of Gulmarg after a technical malfunction developed in a private helicopter. The rescue operation, described as prompt and well-coordinated, ensured the safety of all tourists involved at the popular ski resort town.

What Happened at Gulmarg

A private helicopter operating in the Gulmarg area developed a technical snag, leaving tourists stranded at higher altitudes in the region. The Army and civil administration swiftly mobilised rescue teams, coordinating closely across agencies to bring the stranded visitors to safety without any reported casualties.

What the Chief Minister Said

In an official statement, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the swift response and close inter-agency coordination that ensured the well-being of the tourists. He further directed the administration to strengthen safety protocols at all tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, with the aim of preventing recurrence of such incidents. The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining high safety standards for visitors to the region.

Tourism Recovery After Pahalgam Attack

The rescue comes as summer tourism in Kashmir begins gaining fresh momentum, with visitor footfall gradually recovering following a devastating terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on 22 April last year. In that attack, Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists — one of the deadliest strikes on civilians in the region in recent years.

In the aftermath, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam and was seen cycling through the town with his sons in a symbolic gesture to restore confidence. He also visited several metropolitan cities to meet tour and travel operators, urging them to encourage tourists to return to the Valley.

Community Response and Gradual Revival

Locals in the Kashmir Valley held spontaneous protests and candlelight marches condemning the terror attack, a show of solidarity that drew widespread attention. Tourists responded positively to these gestures of goodwill and began returning to the Valley in increasing numbers, signalling a gradual revival of the region's vital tourism sector.

With summer temperatures rising across the plains, authorities are keen to sustain this momentum — making safety infrastructure and rapid-response capabilities all the more critical for the season ahead.