Surinder Sharma
May 28, 2025: Dr. Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and President of the National Conference, extended an open invitation to devotees across the country to participate in the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra. Addressing the media in Pahalgam, he said, “Lord Shiva is waiting for you. Come in large numbers to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of this land.”
In his remarks, Abdullah also emphasized the need for economic diversification in Jammu and Kashmir. “We cannot rely solely on tourism for our economy. If we want to take this state forward, we must focus on sustainable business sectors that can ensure long-term economic stability,” he said.
Referring to the recent terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley and cross-border shelling by Pakistan, Abdullah lamented the adverse impact such incidents have on the region’s tourism industry. “Kashmir is the most beautiful place in the world. Tourists from around the globe want to visit, and there’s great potential for tourism here. But the threat remains — a single gunshot is enough to scare people away. I saw this happen during the Kargil conflict,” he recalled.
He praised the resilience of the local people, noting how hotel owners and taxi drivers invested in their businesses despite the risks, often taking loans and mortgaging property. “In recent years, tourism had started to flourish again, and there was hope that millions of domestic and international tourists would visit this year,” he added.
Condemning the Baisaran attack, Abdullah called the perpetrators the “enemies of humanity and Kashmiriyat.” He said, “Those who committed this heinous act have no regard for the lives and livelihoods of innocent people. All they have is Allah, and this valley — this beauty — is the only source of sustenance for many here.”
He urged the nation to support the people of Jammu and Kashmir and not be deterred by such incidents. “What happened is deeply regrettable, but we are not to blame. We didn’t do this. I appeal to people across India — please come back. We are waiting for you. Not just us — even Lord Shiva is waiting for you,” he said.
Speaking on the central government’s decision to send delegations to various countries to expose Pakistan’s actions, Abdullah expressed cautious optimism. “I hope these delegations also carry the message that we seek peace, not war. For God’s sake, stop killing innocent people,” he said.