J&K CM Omar Abdullah praised the Army and civil administration for swiftly rescuing stranded tourists in Gulmarg after a helicopter malfunction, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening tourist safety and restoring confidence in Kashmir tourism.
A major rescue operation was successfully carried out in Jammu and Kashmir’s famous tourist destination Gulmarg after several tourists became stranded in the higher reaches of the area following a technical malfunction in a private helicopter. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday appreciated the Army and the civil administration for their prompt response and coordinated efforts in ensuring the safe evacuation of all affected tourists.
According to an official statement issued by the government, the helicopter developed a technical snag during operations near the ski resort town, prompting immediate rescue measures by authorities. Teams from the Army and local administration quickly reached the area and safely assisted the stranded tourists, preventing the situation from escalating further.
The Chief Minister praised the professionalism and efficiency displayed by all agencies involved in the operation. He highlighted that the swift coordination between rescue teams ensured the safety and well-being of visitors despite difficult terrain and weather-related challenges in the upper reaches of Gulmarg.
Omar Abdullah also directed officials to strengthen existing safety protocols for tourist activities across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of implementing preventive measures and improving emergency preparedness to avoid similar incidents in the future. The Chief Minister reiterated that the safety of tourists remains one of the government’s top priorities as the region enters the peak summer tourism season.
Tourism activity in Kashmir has gradually started gaining momentum with rising temperatures across several parts of the country. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar are witnessing increasing tourist arrivals after a challenging period for the tourism industry.
The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir had suffered a serious setback after Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists, during a deadly attack at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22 last year. The incident had triggered concerns regarding the safety of visitors traveling to the Valley.
In an effort to restore public confidence and revive tourism, Omar Abdullah personally undertook several initiatives. He chaired a Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam shortly after the attack and was also seen cycling through the town with his sons as a symbolic gesture aimed at encouraging tourism and demonstrating confidence in local security arrangements.
The Chief Minister additionally visited several metropolitan cities across India, where he met travel operators, tourism stakeholders, and business representatives. During these meetings, he urged them to continue promoting Kashmir as a safe and welcoming tourist destination.
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Following the terror attack, local residents across Kashmir held candlelight marches and spontaneous protests condemning the killings and expressing solidarity with the victims. The response from local communities was widely appreciated and played a significant role in rebuilding trust among travelers.
Officials believe that the steady return of tourists to the Valley reflects growing confidence in the region’s hospitality, improved security measures, and the collective efforts of the administration and local communities to protect and support visitors.
