Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday responded warmly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for his recent visit to Gujarat, reaffirming the critical role tourism plays in J&K’s economy and national integration.
In a post on X, Abdullah wrote: “I’m a firm believer that travel broadens the horizons & the mind, @narendramodi ji. It’s especially important for us in J&K, as tourism is a crucial part of our economy and has the potential to gainfully employ lakhs of people. That’s why my colleagues and I are trying to convince more of our fellow Indians to visit J&K, especially after the tragic events earlier this year.”
His remarks came in response to a message from PM Modi, who had lauded Abdullah’s visit to the Sabarmati Riverfront and the Statue of Unity during a recent tourism event in Ahmedabad.
“Kashmir to Kevadia! Good to see Shri Omar Abdullah Ji enjoying his run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and visiting the Statue of Unity. His visit to SoU gives an important message of unity and will inspire our fellow Indians to travel to different parts of India,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
Abdullah had earlier shared his experience from Gujarat, where he went for a morning run along the Sabarmati Riverfront.
“While in #Ahmedabad for a tourism event, I took advantage of being here to get my morning run at the famed Sabarmati River Front promenade. It’s one of the nicest places I’ve been able to run, and it was a pleasure to share it with so many other walkers and runners. I even managed to run past the amazing Atal Foot Bridge,” he wrote.
The J&K Chief Minister was on a two-day visit to Gujarat aimed at promoting the Union Territory as a travel destination, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which led to a temporary decline in tourist activity.
During his visit, Abdullah met with tour operators and travel industry stakeholders to rebuild trust and attract more domestic tourists to the region. He also held a meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
-IANS