SRINAGAR: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged the central government to enhance security measures in Jammu and Kashmir to help restore tourist confidence and revive the region’s tourism sector.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Nabanna in Kolkata, Banerjee said, “The Centre must take strong and swift steps to ensure safety in Jammu and Kashmir. Tourism can only revive when people feel secure.”
She stressed the need for strengthened border security and said the central government should coordinate directly with Omar Abdullah for ground-level arrangements. “Kashmir is a beautiful place. Our people must not fear visiting it. I encourage tourists from Bengal to travel there,” she said.
Banerjee also confirmed her plans to visit the Valley. “Omar came here after the Pahalgam incident and invited me to Kashmir. I have accepted the invitation and will try to visit after Durga Puja,” she said.
Speaking alongside her, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked Banerjee for her support following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and during Operation Sindoor. “Didi sent a team to meet affected families in Rajouri and Poonch. Her solidarity meant a lot,” he said.
He added that Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal should collaborate in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. “We want to create lasting partnerships with Bengal. I’ve invited Didi to Kashmir, and we look forward to strengthening our relationship,” Abdullah said.
The two leaders discussed launching joint tourism campaigns, industry collaborations, and cultural exchange programmes. Banerjee proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two states.
“Kashmir is known for its saffron, dry fruits, music, and art. Our tourism department is ready to work with theirs,” Banerjee said. “We will also invite Kashmiri artists to participate in our Republic Day events. Bengali filmmakers will be encouraged to shoot in Kashmir.”
The meeting comes as the JK government continues its outreach to other states to promote tourism and attract investment following recent security-related incidents. (JKNS)
