West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday called on the central government to take immediate measures to ensure the safety and security of Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that such steps are vital for reviving tourism in the region. The appeal came during her meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the state secretariat in Kolkata.
This marked the first interaction between the two leaders following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.
Watch the media address here
“The Centre must take steps to ensure safety and security so that more and more tourists visit Kashmir. It must also strengthen border security in the region,” Banerjee told reporters.
“The people of J&K are like our brothers and sisters. I have been invited to visit J&K& I have accepted the invitation. I am ready to provide all assistance to J&K & I urge tourists from West Bengal to visit the region.” Hon CM West Bengal @MamataOfficial.pic.twitter.com/Qqxi6CCwm1
— JKNC (@JKNC_) July 10, 2025
J&K and Bengal to Collaborate on Tourism, Culture and Trade
Banerjee underlined Kashmir’s rich cultural and natural heritage and emphasized that the region should not be feared. “Our tourists should visit Kashmir; there is no reason to fear. The Government of India must also take steps to ensure more people can travel there. Border security lies with the Centre, so they should take necessary action. If needed, they should speak to Omar Abdullah and make proper arrangements,” she said.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir, Banerjee added, “He (Omar) came here after the unfortunate incident in Pahalgam and invited me. I have accepted the invitation. I will try to visit (Jammu and Kashmir) after Puja.”
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Omar Abdullah, speaking beside Banerjee, expressed his gratitude to the West Bengal government for their support following the Pahalgam terror incident. “After the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, Didi (Banerjee) had sent a team to Poonch and Rajouri to meet the affected families and provide necessary help. I am thankful to her,” he said.
Abdullah invited Banerjee to visit Jammu and Kashmir and proposed future collaboration between the two states in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. “It is our duty to provide all necessary support and safety to tourists from Bengal,” he said.
Banerjee also highlighted the potential of Kashmir’s local products and artisans. “Kashmir is rich with spices, dry fruits, and other unique offerings. I am a great admirer of Kashmir; I love the place. Our tourism department will work together with them. There should be an MoU to facilitate visits in both directions and promote cultural exchange. The people of Kashmir are gifted in music, dance and art,” she said.
She added that the West Bengal government would encourage local filmmakers to consider Kashmir as a shooting location. “They (people of J\&K) should come here during Puja. We will also invite them for Republic Day celebrations,” Banerjee said.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir government to rebuild its tourism sector amid security challenges, with a renewed focus on interstate cooperation and cultural outreach.
