Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) decision to withdraw the proposed NOTAM regarding the full closure of Srinagar International Airport runway for maintenance, calling it a major relief for the region’s tourism and travel sector.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said the earlier proposal of closing the runway on Mondays and Tuesdays had already started affecting tourism flow, with several travel groups cancelling their planned visits to the Valley.
He said he had taken up the matter repeatedly with the Centre, including discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, and even the Prime Minister, stressing the importance of uninterrupted air connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah said that if maintenance is required later in the year, especially in October, alternative arrangements such as using the Awantipora Air Force base for flight operations should be considered to avoid disruption.
The Chief Minister also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal asking Amarnath Yatris to spend at least 10 per cent of their travel budget on local products, calling it a positive step for boosting the local economy.
However, he added that pilgrims should be given more freedom of movement during the yatra instead of being restricted to vehicles. He said allowing devotees to explore nearby areas would help them engage more with local culture and increase economic benefits for residents.
“We want pilgrims to come in large numbers, complete their darshan safely, and also pray for peace and brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said, adding that all arrangements from the elected government side have been completed while security and other responsibilities are being handled by concerned agencies.
Responding to questions on a letter signed by several Indian and Pakistani citizens, including his father Farooq Abdullah, calling for India-Pakistan dialogue, the Chief Minister said such matters should not be unnecessarily politicised. He reiterated that improving relations between India and Pakistan is essential, recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s principle that neighbours cannot be changed.
Abdullah also welcomed the Punjab Government’s decision to withdraw a levy imposed on Kashmiri mutton traders, terming it unfair and saying the issue was taken up with the concerned authorities.(Agencies)
