SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the ban on helicopter services from Pahalgam and Baltal for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra conveys a misleading impression about the situation in the valley.
Speaking to reporters at Srinagar International Airport after receiving returning Hajj pilgrims, Omar said while the commencement of the Yatra is a welcome step, the suspension of aerial services raises unnecessary concerns.
“It is good that the Amarnath Yatra is about to begin and we want it to proceed smoothly,” the Chief Minister said. “But I find it quite odd that helicopter services from Pahalgam and Baltal have been disallowed this year. This sends a wrong message to the rest of the country about the situation in the valley.”
He also emphasised the importance of reopening Kashmir’s tourist destinations for economic revival. “It has always been strange that while we talk about reviving tourism, we ourselves kept parts of Kashmir closed to visitors. It is a good sign that these destinations are gradually reopening, and we hope tourists will start returning soon,” he said.
On the return of Hajj pilgrims, Omar expressed gratitude. “I feel fortunate to have welcomed the Hajj pilgrims today along with my colleagues. Our priority was to ensure their safe return. We are truly grateful to all the Haji Sahibaan for remembering J&K in their prayers. May Allah accept all their duas,” he said.
Commenting on the ongoing crisis in Iran, he said he was in regular contact with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the evacuation of students. “I have spoken several times to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who assured me that our students, particularly those in high-risk areas like Tehran and Isfahan, will be evacuated,” he said.
The students, Omar added, are being moved by land to Armenia and will be flown back to India from there.
