Jammu and Kashmir Opens Doors for Tourists and Films
Chennai: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared some positive updates on Saturday, saying most tourist spots in the Union Territory are now open. He assured everyone that the government is putting safety measures in place to welcome back holidaymakers and film crews after recent challenges.
Speaking to reporters in Chennai during an event by The Good Deeds Club, Abdullah pointed out that visitors from Tamil Nadu and other southern states are still few and far between. "We’re working hard to build stronger ties here," he said. He added with hope, "In the coming months and years, we want more films from the south shot in Kashmir’s stunning locations, and more tourists exploring our valleys."
On the security front, Abdullah addressed concerns after Operation Sindoor. He explained that a full security audit has wrapped up, and while a few spots stay closed, the majority are ready for visitors with strict safeguards. This move aims to boost Kashmir tourism and revive the region’s film industry.
Shifting to politics, Abdullah reaffirmed that his National Conference party stands firm with the INDIA bloc. "Congress is part of our alliance in J&K, even if they’re not in power right now. They’ve promised to join the government once statehood returns," he clarified.
He welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Manipur, calling it "better late than never." Abdullah noted the long criticism over Modi’s absence since the 2023 ethnic violence there. "We hope this trip brings peace and bridges the gaps between communities," he said.
When asked about the high-stakes India-Pakistan cricket match on Sunday, Abdullah kept it straightforward. "Multilateral tournaments like this have never been a problem—it’s the bilateral series that get tangled in politics. Sadly, sports in the subcontinent often falls victim to these tensions."
Abdullah didn’t hold back on his push for restoring Jammu and Kashmir statehood. He reminded everyone of the promises made by PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and others during Supreme Court hearings. "There’s no excuse not to honor this. Law and order, plus policing, should stay under an elected government," he stressed firmly.
He also slammed the arrest of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act as a "misuse of law and overreach." Abdullah highlighted that his party already passed an Assembly resolution to bring back J&K’s special status, vowing no backing down on the people’s mandate.
Finally, on the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision drive, Abdullah raised red flags. He warned it could hurt the poll body’s credibility, citing the backlash seen in Bihar. "India needs to get back to the gold standard set by T.N. Seshan, whose time as Chief Election Commissioner meant true independence and fairness," he urged.
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