Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has extended a personal invitation to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to visit the Union Territory, assuring that J&K remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists despite recent incidents in Pahalgam. His statement comes amid concerns raised by various political leaders and citizens following the tragic death of two Bengali tourists due to sudden cardiac arrests while trekking in Pahalgam last week.
🗨️ ‘I invite Didi to visit Kashmir’
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah thanked Mamata Banerjee for her words of solidarity and empathy with the families of the deceased tourists. He said:
“I thank Didi for her concern. Jammu & Kashmir is safe, and our administration is ensuring all arrangements for the safety and comfort of tourists. I invite her to visit our beautiful state and experience the peace and hospitality our people extend to every guest.”
Abdullah emphasised that Kashmir Valley continues to witness record tourist arrivals, surpassing pre-COVID numbers, demonstrating confidence in security and infrastructure under the current administration.
📊 Tourism footfall in Jammu & Kashmir (Jan-June 2025)
| Month | Number of tourists (domestic + foreign) |
|---|---|
| January | 4,90,000 |
| February | 5,10,000 |
| March | 6,30,000 |
| April | 7,80,000 |
| May | 9,20,000 |
| June | 10,50,000 |
| Total | 44,80,000 |
(Source: J&K Tourism Department)
🌄 Pahalgam incident and aftermath
The recent deaths in Pahalgam were attributed to sudden health failures triggered by extreme weather and high altitude stress. Officials confirmed no foul play, urging tourists to undergo basic fitness assessments before embarking on strenuous treks.
The Jammu & Kashmir Health Department has decided to:
✅ Establish more health camps and emergency aid centres at high-altitude tourist locations.
✅ Deploy mobile medical units with cardiologists and pulmonologists during peak trekking seasons.
✅ Create awareness on altitude sickness, dehydration, and sudden temperature fluctuations, which are common in Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
🗣️ Mamata Banerjee’s solidarity message
Earlier this week, Mamata Banerjee had expressed grief over the deaths of the two tourists and asked her administration to coordinate with J&K officials for the smooth return of their bodies to Bengal. She also urged the Jammu & Kashmir government to ensure:
- Adequate medical infrastructure at tourist hotspots
- Awareness drives for travellers with pre-existing health conditions
- Continued focus on safety and ease of travel to sustain tourism growth
🌐 J&K tourism initiatives for Bengal tourists
Officials from the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department have launched a targeted outreach campaign in West Bengal to restore confidence after the incident. It includes:
- Bengal-Kashmir Tourism Conclave in Kolkata later this month
- Discount packages for Durga Puja holiday bookings
- Special Bengali-speaking tour guides for group travellers
- Culinary exchange showcasing Kashmiri Wazwan and Bengali cuisines
🔍 Safety advisories for tourists travelling to J&K
The administration reiterated basic guidelines for tourists:
- Consult physicians before planning high-altitude treks.
- Carry prescribed emergency medications and portable oxygen cans.
- Stay hydrated and acclimatise for a day before strenuous travel.
- Register with local tourist offices for real-time weather and route updates.
- Follow official trekking timings and avoid late evening excursions.
💬 Political reactions to Abdullah’s invitation
Abdullah’s invitation to Mamata Banerjee was lauded by PDP and Congress leaders as a gesture of inter-state goodwill and tourism diplomacy. However, some BJP leaders questioned his emphasis on tourism over addressing militancy threats, citing recent infiltration attempts in Rajouri.
In response, Abdullah stated:
“Tourism is our backbone. Our security forces are fully equipped to maintain peace while we continue rebuilding people’s livelihoods through tourism, horticulture, and trade.”
💡 Impact of tourism on J&K economy
| Sector | Contribution to GSDP (%) | Employment generated |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism | 8.2 | 3.6 lakh |
| Horticulture | 11.5 | 7.5 lakh |
| Handicrafts | 3.1 | 1.2 lakh |
(Source: J&K Economic Survey 2024-25)
🛫 Upcoming tourism initiatives
The government is planning:
- Launch of direct Kolkata-Srinagar weekly flights to cater to rising demand from Bengal.
- Development of eco-friendly homestays in Pahalgam and Sonmarg.
- Promotion of ‘Winter Wonderland Kashmir 2025’ to attract adventure and ski tourists post-monsoon.
🔭 Outlook: A season of hope
Tour operators in Srinagar remain optimistic. Nasir Shah, a prominent tourism entrepreneur, noted:
“Bookings from Bengal, Odisha, and Assam are strong despite these tragedies. Omar sahib’s direct outreach to Didi will reinforce the trust that Kashmir is safe, beautiful, and ready to host every Indian with warmth.”
✅ Disclaimer
This news article is based on official statements and press briefings. Readers planning travel to Jammu & Kashmir are advised to consult local tourism offices and follow government-issued health and safety advisories.
