Centre should ensure security of tourists in J&K: Mamata
The Statesman | 11 July 2025
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir after the Pujas following an invitation extended by Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who called on the former at her chamber at Nabanna today.
Later, after the meeting both held out promises that they would do their best for the promotion of tourism in both the states.
After the meeting Mr Abdullah, in his bid to woo back tourists from Bengal, told newspersons that the meeting was a productive one. “In which both of us held discussions to sustain a healthy and cordial relationship between us. Didi was always with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In 2019 too, when I was having a trying time, she stood by me and said what was happening was not good. She even sent a team to my state after the Pahalgam terror attack in April and lent support. I’m grateful to Didi. I have extended an invitation to her for a visit to Kashmir. She too, on her part accepted my invitation as a reciprocal gesture. I am eagerly awaiting her visit to the state. I had an opportunity to be her guest many times in the past and now following her acceptance of my invitation hopefully she too would be my guest.
“I think that both West Bengal and J&K would work together for the growth of the tourism industry in both the states. I wholeheartedly want tourists from the state to visit Kashmir and their proper upkeep would be my responsibility,” Mr Abdullah said.
Miss Banerjee on her part welcomed the people of the tourist state and also thanked him for taking trouble to visit the state of West Bengal after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Miss Banerjee said: “He has invited me to visit Jammu and Kashmir as a guest. I accepted that invitation. I would try to visit Jammu and Kashmir after the Pujas. I am always ready to lend cooperation for the welfare of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. I’m calling upon the tourists from the state to visit Kashmir. There is nothing to fear as the issue of security would be taken care of by them. Kashmir is beautiful though the issue of security is not in their hands and asking the Centre to take steps for adequate security so that the tourists do not get flinched by the lack of security and the Centre should address that by stepping up security. Apple, kesar, and roses from Kashmir are popular across the globe along with its scenic beauty. I love Kashmir.
I would tell the industrialists to invest in Kashmir and in Bengal too. I want the technical education and cultural exchanges to happen between the two states. I am also calling upon the cine stars from Tollywood to pick Kashmir as one of the shooting destinations yet again. I want people from Kashmir to participate in our Durga Pujas. I would invite them formally later,” the chief minister said after the meeting.