Preventing repeat of Pahalgam terror attack remains top priority, says CM Omar Abdullah

• Omar Abdullah urges end to West Asia war, warns of global impact on oil and supply chains

Jammu, 22-04-2026: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said preventing a repeat of a Pahalgam-like terror attack remains one of the highest priorities for the government, as Jammu and Kashmir marked one year since the deadly assault that shook the region and left deep scars on public memory. Speaking in Udhampur after visiting those injured in the recent bus accident at Government Medical College hospital, the Chief Minister said the elected government, the Centre and the law-and-order machinery are united in their resolve to ensure that such a tragedy is never allowed to happen again. Reports on April 22 said Omar Abdullah reiterated that even if Pakistan attempts such actions, every possible effort would be made to ensure they do not succeed.

Paying tributes to the innocent victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Chief Minister said the day remains emotionally heavy for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who continue to remember with pain the lives lost in a senseless act of terror. He said the victims had come only to spend peaceful moments in the Valley, but were mercilessly targeted, and added that the government stands firmly with their families in grief and remembrance. He underlined that maintaining peace, protecting visitors and preserving normalcy in the Union Territory will remain central to the administration’s efforts.

On the impact of the attack on tourism, Omar Abdullah said the government’s responsibility is not to issue self-assessments but to continue making sincere efforts on the ground. He acknowledged that the fallout of the incident has had some effect when compared to the previous year, but expressed hope that the tourism season would regain momentum in the coming months. He said Jammu and Kashmir remains ready to welcome visitors for pilgrimage and leisure travel alike, including those coming for darshan at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and the annual Amarnath Yatra. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board states that the 2026 Yatra will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28, while advance registration began on April 15.

The Chief Minister also called for an immediate end to the conflict in West Asia involving Iran, the United States and Israel, saying the consequences of war are now being felt far beyond the region. He said rising oil prices, shrinking supplies and disruption in vital supply chains are affecting countries across the world and adding new strain to already fragile economies. His remarks came as President Donald Trump said the United States would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow more time for a unified Iranian response and possible negotiations, even as tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz continued to unsettle global markets.

Omar Abdullah said India remains relatively stable compared with several other countries, but cautioned that a prolonged war could deepen economic uncertainty and create wider disruptions. Stressing the need for peace and stability, he said the conflict must stop now, as prolonged hostilities only intensify hardship for ordinary people and place additional pressure on nations already dealing with economic and strategic challenges. His remarks reflected concern not only for the international situation, but also for its possible ripple effects on fuel, trade and public welfare at home.