Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed a significant decline in tourism across the Kashmir Valley this summer, attributing the slump to recent security concerns and India-Pakistan tensions. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said the region’s tourism sector has been “hit quite badly” and that the government’s current priority is ensuring the safe and incident-free conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, set to begin soon.
“There are hardly any tourists coming here,” he stated, emphasizing that the administration is focused on ensuring every pilgrim returns safely. The annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees to the cave shrine in Pahalgam, is considered vital to the local economy. However, the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and ongoing geopolitical tensions have led to a steep drop in tourist arrivals.
Abdullah noted that the ceasefire along the Line of Control and international border is holding, with no recent violations reported. A damage assessment is underway, and compensation will be distributed with support from the central government.
He also welcomed the Centre’s decision to send an all-party delegation abroad to present India’s stance on the Kashmir issue, recalling a similar initiative during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure after the 2001 Parliament attack.
The state government hopes a peaceful and successful Yatra will help restore traveler confidence and pave the way for reviving Kashmir’s ailing tourism sector.
