Heartbreaking to See Guests Leaving: J&K CM Omar Abdullah
NIA on Wednesday released sketches of terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam terror attack (Image credit MHA)
Exodus of Tourists from Kashmir Valley Post Pahalgam Terror Attack; CM Omar Abdullah Urges Calm and Cooperation
By TRH News Desk
New Delhi, April 23, 2025: In the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, which left multiple civilians injured and triggered widespread panic, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah issued a heartfelt statement on Tuesday, describing the mass departure of tourists from the Valley as “heartbreaking” yet understandable.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday’s tragic terror attack in Pahalgam,” said the Chief Minister, “but at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave.”
In response to the developing situation, CM Abdullah noted that both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are working diligently to organize additional flights from Srinagar to facilitate the safe return of tourists.
The Railways has also commissioned special trains from Jammu to help the people reach their respective destinations. A few of the tourists posted messages on X, complaining that airfares were beyond their budget in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
On the ground, NH-44 — the key highway connecting Srinagar and Jammu — has been partially restored for one-way traffic. “I’ve directed the administration to facilitate traffic between Srinagar and Jammu allowing tourist vehicles to leave,” added Abdullah in his post.
This will have to be done in a controlled & organised way because the road is still unstable in places and we are also working hard to clear all the stranded vehicles, Abdullah added.
He emphasized that a full reopening of the highway is not yet possible due to safety concerns, urging the public to remain patient and cooperate with the authorities.
In a related development, a Jammu & Kashmir Bandh has been called by several regional political and civil society groups to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack.
Shops, schools, and public transport services remained shut in several parts of the region on Tuesday, as residents observed the shutdown in solidarity with the victims.
Security has been heightened across major towns and tourist hubs, with additional deployment of paramilitary forces to maintain law and order.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of yet another act of violence, CM Abdullah appealed for unity and calm: “Our priority is the safety of every single person in the Valley — whether resident or visitor. We must face this challenge together.”
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