Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Wednesday strongly denounced attempts by certain elements to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir’s thriving tourism sector, stating that the government stands firm with the people and will not allow local jobs or peace to be compromised.

Speaking at a public outreach event in the picturesque hill station of Gulmarg, Choudhary emphasized the resilience of the region in the face of recent challenges, including terror incidents. “There are people who want to destroy our tourism and our people’s employment,” he said. “But they will not succeed. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir stands with its people and with India.”

He lauded the people of Kashmir for their legendary hospitality and peaceful spirit, pointing out that despite security concerns, tourism remains vibrant and essential to the region’s economy. “Kashmir continues to attract tourists. As you saw today, many visitors came to Gulmarg. That makes a difference,” he noted.

‘Peace Still Defines Kashmir’

Choudhary said that the purpose of the event was to send a clear message to the country and the world: Kashmir remains peaceful and open for tourism. “If anyone wants to disturb the situation in J&K, they won’t succeed. Our brotherhood and hospitality—especially that of Kashmir—are world-renowned,” he added.

He urged national and international journalists to visit the region to witness its true spirit, remarking, “The image of J&K portrayed in the media is not accurate. This place is peaceful, and the people are full of love. Kashmir has been the backdrop of many cinematic love stories.”

Upcoming Tourism Season Crucial

Looking ahead, the Deputy CM stressed the importance of the upcoming summer tourism season, calling for positive promotion across all media platforms. “The next two to three months are crucial. Social media has great power. Let us spread positivity, not negativity,” he urged.

Governance and Democracy in Focus

Choudhary also took the opportunity to highlight the complexities of governance in Jammu and Kashmir. “There are three types of governments in J&K today—one elected, one installed, and one at the Centre. We should allow the elected government to make decisions for those who voted. That’s how democracy is strengthened.”

The Deputy CM reiterated that the government under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to defending the interests of J&K’s citizens and promoting economic growth through peace, progress, and partnerships.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Monday observed the 61st death anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, by paying rich floral tributes and remembering his visionary leadership and invaluable contributions to building modern India.

The main commemorative event was held at the Congress headquarters in Jammu, where JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra presided over the function. Working President Raman Bhalla, senior leaders, former ministers, legislators, and office bearers of PCC, DCC, Block Committees, and frontal organizations also participated in the ceremony.

“Pandit Nehru was not only the architect of modern India but a global statesman whose ideas still inspire the world,” said Karra. “Unfortunately, there are forces today that fear his inclusive ideology and try every means to diminish his legacy.”

Karra emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, and the Indian National Congress stood firm against the partition of the country, while the “opportunistic forces” with radical ideologies colluded with the Muslim League for power-sharing, and are now projecting themselves as ultra-nationalists.

He said that Pandit Nehru laid the solid foundations of a free, democratic, and secular India, enabling the nation to make remarkable progress in various fields.

Reiterating the demand for early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Karra criticized the downgrading of the state to a Union Territory, calling it a move against the spirit of the Constitution.

“A fitting tribute to our founding fathers would be to uphold their values and pass on their vision to future generations,” he said, urging the government to install a statue of Pandit Nehru in Jammu. He also questioned the disappearance of Mahatma Gandhi’s statues from the Mubarak Mandi Complex and Satwari Chowk, demanding accountability from the authorities.

Leaders in Attendance

Prominent leaders present included Balwan Singh, Ravinder Sharma, Yogesh Sawhney, Ved Mahajan, Manmohan Singh, Indu Pawar, Rajnish Sharma, Narinder Sharma, Satish Sharma, T.S. Tony, Suresh Dogra, Gurdarshan Singh, Zahida Khan, Vijay Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Sanjeev Panda, Rajveer Singh, Neeraj Gupta, Kapil Singh, Rajeev Saraf, R.A. Inqlabi, Jatin Raina, and M.L. Chalotra, among others.

Tributes in Srinagar

A similar function was held at the Congress party office in Srinagar, chaired by former JKPCC President Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed. Senior Congress leaders, including DCC presidents and other Kashmir-based leaders, participated and paid homage.

“Pandit Nehru was the author of modern India who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of every section of society,” said Sayeed.

Those who spoke and offered tributes included Bashir Ahmad Magrey, Surinder Singh Chani, Abdul Gani Khan, Nissar Ahmad Mundoo, Shameema Raina, Mohd Iqbal Mir (Anantnag), Irfan Naqib, Zaffar Farooq Salati, Abdul Rashid Lone, Umer Jaan, Mushtaq Ahmad Tantray, and Shaheena Neda.

Widespread Observance

Similar remembrance functions were held across the region, reflecting the enduring legacy of Pandit Nehru and the continued admiration for his vision of a secular, progressive, and democratic India.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday announced the establishment of a memorial in Baisaran to honor the 26 victims of last month’s terror attack near Pahalgam, pledging it would serve as a lasting tribute and a reminder of the innocent lives lost.

“We have been discussing this from day one – a memorial will be set up in Baisaran for the 26 innocent lives lost, as a lasting tribute and a reminder that they will never be forgotten,” Abdullah said during an address to travel and tour operators gathered from across the country.

He confirmed that the Public Works Department has been granted in-principle approval to proceed with the project following a cabinet meeting held earlier in the day in Pahalgam. The Chief Minister emphasized that public suggestions would be welcomed to ensure the memorial is both “dignified and magnificent.”

Tourism Revival and Security Assurance

Extending gratitude to visiting tour operators, the Chief Minister said,

“I thank each one of you for coming to Pahalgam and supporting the revival of tourism. Many of you stood by us during the most difficult times — when even locals feared venturing out.”

While acknowledging persistent security challenges, Abdullah underscored the need for stringent safety measures:

“Although we do not fully control the security apparatus, I believe what happened should never have happened. We must do everything possible to ensure it never happens again.”

He urged the tourism industry to maintain transparency with tourists, especially in the wake of the Baisaran incident:

“Let’s not focus on what’s closed, but on what’s open. It’s better to speak the truth than mislead tourists.”

The Chief Minister assured that tourism stakeholders would be fully consulted on all decisions regarding the reopening of tourist destinations.

Focus on Domestic Tourism

Speaking about the roadmap for reviving international tourism, Abdullah said that domestic tourism is the foundation for global tourist interest.

“Our experience shows that international tourists return after domestic footfall increases. The first sign of normalcy is when school children and families start visiting again. Once that momentum builds, global interest follows.”

Industry Participation and CM’s Eco-Tourism Push

The gathering saw participation from major travel bodies and agencies including Raja Rani Travels, Heena Travels, Veena World, KK Tours, Thomas Cook, and associations like TAFI, ADTOI, ETAA, and OTOAI. Delegates from national media, along with local hoteliers and tourism stakeholders, also engaged in dialogue with the Chief Minister.

The session was attended by former CM Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs from Pahalgam and Bijbehara, and senior officials from Tourism and JKTDC.

Later, Abdullah visited the Nunwan Base Camp to assess preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, emphasizing the importance of coordination among departments to ensure pilgrims’ safety and comfort.

In a symbolic move to promote eco-tourism and sustainability, the CM also undertook a cycling tour from a local hotel to Nunwan Base Camp and back, signaling support for green initiatives launched by the Tourism Department.

“Tourism must evolve — and sustainable, eco-conscious travel is the way forward,” said Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio in J&K.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the necessity of setting short-term, district-specific goals based on thorough data analysis and tailored to each region’s unique needs and potential.

Chairing a comprehensive review meeting of the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department at the Civil Secretariat, the Chief Minister reviewed progress on three key initiatives:

• Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC)
• District Domestic Product (DDP)
• District Good Governance Index (DGGI)

“What we now require is targeted district-level planning – identifying where the potential lies and where gaps need to be filled. These short-term objectives will cumulatively guide us toward our long-term goal of Viksit Jammu & Kashmir by 2047,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Secretary Planning Talat Parvez, senior officials from Social Welfare, Rural Development, Health & Medical Education departments, as well as representatives from NITI Aayog, UNDP, and all Deputy Commissioners via video conferencing.

Focus on Actionable Insights and Real-Time Monitoring

Abdullah cautioned against being fixated on the distant 2047 vision without clear and measurable short- and medium-term benchmarks.

Referring to Mission Yuva and the DGGI findings, he said:

“These findings must improve our planning and programmes. I urge all line departments and district administrations to reorient their schemes in a manner that addresses the issues highlighted by both data sets.”

He stressed that the DGGI should not be seen as a judgment tool but rather a performance barometer – from “good to better” governance.

“Districts that are already performing well must lead by example. Those that are behind need targeted support. Any systemic constraints should be flagged immediately for resolution,” he added.

J&K’s National Performance and the Need for Consistency

While noting Jammu & Kashmir’s 10th rank among Indian states and UTs, the CM said:

“Being second among UTs is good, but the real achievement is our standing at the national level. That shows we’re holding our ground, but we must aim higher.”

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent templates for performance measurement.

“Once a performance framework is established, we must not tinker with it. Shifting goalposts or data methodology defeats the purpose of year-on-year comparisons. Let’s retain these standards to ensure continuity, transparency, and accountability in governance,” he said.

Path Ahead: Step-by-Step, District-Led Development

In closing, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his vision of a stepwise approach to development:

“Start with short-term, district-level interventions, scale up to territory-wide strategies, and work consistently towards the broader goal of Viksit Jammu & Kashmir 2047.”

On the occasion, CM Omar Abdullah also released four key reports:

• District Domestic Product J&K Report 2022-23
• District Good Governance Index 4.0 Report 2023-24
• J&K Sustainable Progress Report 2022-23
• District Progress Report 2022-23