Kolkata – West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged the Centre to ensure the safety of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including three from West Bengal.
Speaking to the media after meeting Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah at the state secretariat, Banerjee said she plans to visit Kashmir after Durga Puja in October.
“He has come here after the Pahalgam attack and invited me. I have accepted his offer. We are ready to extend full support to Jammu and Kashmir. Our tourists will return. There is nothing to fear,” Banerjee said.
This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the April 22 terror attack.
Banerjee said Abdullah had assured her that tourist safety would be prioritised, but added that the Centre must play its part.
“The Centre must ensure both internal and border security. If needed, it should hold a meeting with Omar Abdullah to chalk out a comprehensive security plan for tourists, both domestic and international,” she said.
Omar Abdullah, who was in Kolkata to inaugurate the Travel and Tourism Fair, said both states would work together to promote tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
“With Didi, my effort will be to strengthen cooperation in tourism, industry, and trade. We want more tourists from Bengal to visit Kashmir. It’s our responsibility to ensure their safety,” he said.
Banerjee also called for signing MoUs between the two states to promote cultural exchange and technical education.
