Says Kashmir Marathon will promote sports tourism, project J&K as safe destination
Srinagar, Jul 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday exuded hope that the tourist destinations closed following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack would reopen after the Amarnath Yatra ends,
Talking to reporters after launching the official merchandise for the Kashmir Marathon 2026, Omar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured him during a security review meeting in Jammu that the remaining tourist destinations would be reopened during the summer season.
“You will recall that during the Assembly session in Jammu, the Home Minister chaired a meeting on security and development where he assured that the remaining tourist destinations, including Aharbal, Sintan Top, parts of Doodhpathri and some areas of Gulmarg, would be reopened. I hope that once the Amarnath Yatra concludes and the forces deployed for the pilgrimage are redeployed, these places will be opened,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government is working to diversify tourism by promoting different segments instead of relying on a single model.
“A marathon is an event in itself. Organising a marathon does not automatically mean destination weddings or conferences will follow. Every form of tourism has its own identity and potential,” he said.
He said the government wants to build unique tourism identities for different destinations, with Gulmarg known for skiing and the Gondola, Pahalgam for white-water rafting and angling, and Sonamarg and Doodhpathri for their distinct attractions.
KASHMIR MARATHON, JAMMU HALF MARATHON TO BECOME NATIONALLY RECOGNISED SPORTING EVENTS
CM Omar said the government intends to develop the Kashmir Marathon and Jammu Half Marathon into nationally recognised sporting events.
Drawing a comparison with the Ladakh Marathon, he said runners from almost every state and Union Territory travel to participate in that event, expressing hope that the Kashmir Marathon would also attract participants from across the country.
“Kashmir is safe, comfortable and welcoming. People who come here to participate in the marathon will return as ambassadors of Kashmir,” he said, while encouraging people, including journalists, to take part in the event.
Asked about political developments related to the National Conference, the Chief Minister declined to comment, saying the interaction had been organised to discuss the marathon.
“This is not a National Conference press conference. We have a major party programme tomorrow where all political questions will be answered,” he said.
On religious tourism, CM Omar said the ongoing Amarnath Yatra has witnessed an overwhelming response, with more pilgrims arriving than the number registered, making it challenging for the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board to adhere to the Supreme Court-mandated daily ceiling on the number of pilgrims allowed on the track.
He also said the Kheer Bhawani Mela witnessed a significant rise in participation this year compared to last year, with around 10,000 devotees staying overnight and over 30,000 visiting the shrine during the fair.
The Chief Minister said religious tourism continues to grow across both Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated that while the government does not interfere in the management of pilgrimages, it provides all necessary support through infrastructure development, inter-departmental coordination and tourism-related funding.
“Our responsibility is to support the Shrine Boards. Tourism is the nodal department for pilgrimages, and every department has a role in ensuring smooth conduct of these events,” he said.
CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS BECOMING INCREASINGLY VISIBLE IN J&K
Replying to a question on climate change, Omar described it as a global challenge whose effects are becoming increasingly visible in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are struggling with unprecedented summer heat. Earlier, snow remained visible on the mountains even during summer and lasted much longer during the Amarnath Yatra. Today it disappears much earlier. Climate change is a reality, and the world must first acknowledge it before it can be addressed,” he said.
He said the problem cannot be tackled by Jammu and Kashmir or India alone and called for collective global action, noting that industrialised nations also have a major responsibility in addressing the crisis.
On the National Conference’s programmes, Omar said the party would hold its event on Saturday, where he would respond to political questions, including those related to support from other parties. He also said another programme is planned for July 20, subject to administrative permission. (KNO)
