Last Updated:May 03, 2025, 17:34 IST

Farooq Abdullah, who was also seen taking selfies with tourists in Pahalgam, further urged them not to be afraid of such attacks.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah visited Pahalgam on Saturday, where he interacted with tourists and urged them not to abandon Kashmir, as the Valley has seen a sharp drop in tourist numbers following the recent terror attack.

Abdullah, who was also seen taking selfies with tourists, further urged them not to be afraid of such attacks. In the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Valley—whose economy largely depends on tourism—witnessed a wave of trip cancellations.

“Things are normal. More and more tourists should come here. They should not be scared.’ Jo darr gaya who mar gaya’. I appeal to people to come to Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar and also to Katra to have a darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi,” the National Conference chief said.

The Former J&K CM said that terrorism should be uprooted immediately and strongly backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s retaliatory action against Pakistan.

We are tired of terrorism. It is important to finish terrorism and for this, whatever action the Prime Minister takes, we are with him and we are waiting for it,” Abdullah said.

The attack by the Pakistan-based Lashkar group killed 26, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam.

Earlier in the day, Abdullah also met the family of Adil Shah, a Kashmiri pony ride operator who was shot dead while trying to protect tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadow.

“Those who lost their lives here, I want to tell that bride, who was married just 6 days ago, to the child who saw his father soaked in blood that we also cried. We also didn’t eat. Such demons are still there who murder humanity. They call themselves Muslims, but I think they are not Muslims,” Abdullah said.

“I want to assure them that these sacrifices will not go in vain, all will be avenged… ab ghada bhar gaya hai (the pot of sin is now full). We now need to uproot it (terrorism). We have been witnessing it for 35 years. But, they have never won, they’ll never win,” he added.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

New Delhi also announced the shutting down of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, the suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals and the scaling down of top officials at the High Commission.

Location :

Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

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