SRINAGAR: In the wake of the tragic killings of tourists in Pahalgam, the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has issued a resounding condemnation of the attack, calling it a barbaric assault on Kashmir’s age-old traditions of hospitality, peace, and harmony. In a high-level interaction chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, FCIK called for urgent steps to safeguard civilians, restore public trust, and protect Kashmiris facing hostility across the country.
The FCIK delegation, comprising former President Shakeel Qalander and members M.D Qureshi, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Afaq Qadiri, and Raja Nayeem Khan, joined the meeting held at SKICC alongside key government and civil society representatives. Describing the attack as a human tragedy and a stain on Kashmir’s collective conscience, Qalander said, “There can be no justification for violence against civilians—this defies every faith and ideology.”
In a bid to reaffirm Kashmir’s rejection of terror, FCIK proposed a region-wide “Not In Our Name” campaign that would mobilise citizens to publicly denounce acts of violence and reinforce the Valley’s commitment to communal harmony. The Chamber also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, proposing that the tourism fraternity offer free or subsidised travel packages to the bereaved as a gesture of compassion.
Raising concerns over tourist safety, FCIK urged the Chief Minister to enhance protective infrastructure across key destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. Recommendations included the deployment of permanent and mobile Quick Response Teams (QRTs), installation of advanced surveillance systems including CCTV, and bolstering the Tourist Protection Force. A real-time tracking app and a 24×7 tourist helpline were also proposed to provide emergency assistance to visitors.
Beyond the Valley, the organisation voiced alarm over increasing incidents of harassment and threats faced by Kashmiri students, professionals, and traders in other states. Warning that such attacks jeopardise not only individual safety but national unity, FCIK appealed to the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs. It also called for the creation of a dedicated grievance redressal cell to swiftly address complaints and ensure coordination with state authorities.
FCIK condemned the media’s role in stoking fear and division, urging national news platforms to avoid sensationalism and instead foster narratives of unity. “It is time to draw a line between the actions of a few and the sentiments of Kashmir’s peace-loving majority,” the organisation stated.
Proposing a “Safe Kashmir for Tourists” campaign led by youth, civil society, and local influencers, FCIK said such initiatives could help counter fear, restore confidence, and celebrate the enduring bonds between Kashmiris and visitors.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, ACS Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and other top officials from the tourism, industry, and police departments.
