Mamata meets Omar at Nabanna; urges Centre to ensure safety in Kashmir CM plans trip to Valley after Durga Puja

PTI, KOLKATA, JULY 10, 2025 :  Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged the Centre to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that such measures were crucial for reviving tourism in the region.

Mamata made the remarks after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the state secretariat. This was the first interaction between the two leaders since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

"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," Mamata told newspersons. She said Kashmir is a land of rich cultural and natural beauty and must 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.

The Chief Minister expressed solidarity with the "brothers and sisters" of Kashmir.

"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," she added.

Omar, who addressed the media alongside Mamata, thanked the West Bengal government for extending support after the terror attacks.

"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.

The J&K Chief Minister reiterated his desire for stronger ties between the two states.

"I want to extend an invitation to Didi to visit Jammu and Kashmir. In future, I want Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir to work together for the betterment of trade, tourism, and relations. It is our duty to provide all necessary support and safety to tourists from Bengal," Omar said.

During the meeting, the Chief Ministers discussed strengthening cooperation between the two states in sectors such as industry, tourism, and cultural exchange.

"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," Mamata said.

The Chief Minister also stated that the West Bengal government would encourage film producers from the state to consider Kashmir as a filming location.

"They (people of J&K) should come here during Puja. We will also invite them for Republic Day celebrations," she said.