Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, currently on a two-day visit to Gujarat to promote tourism in the Union Territory, took to social media to praise Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront, describing it as “one of the nicest places” he has run.
The Chief Minister, who went for a morning jog along the scenic promenade, is in the state to engage with tour operators and revive interest in Kashmir as a tourist destination—particularly after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which dealt a serious blow to the region’s tourism sector.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, currently on a two-day visit to Gujarat to promote tourism in the Union Territory, took to social media to praise Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront.
Posting on X, he wrote: “While in #Ahmedabad for a tourism event, I took advantage of being here to get my morning run at the famed Sabarmati Riverfront promenade. It’s one of the nicest places I’ve been able to run, and it was a pleasure to share it with so many other walkers and runners. I even managed to run past the amazing Atal Foot Bridge.”
The post offered a lighter moment during a visit marked by a serious mission: rebuilding tourist confidence in Jammu and Kashmir following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives—including several from Gujarat.
As part of a major tourism outreach initiative, CM Abdullah is meeting with tour operators and key stakeholders to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s image as a safe and welcoming destination. “Gujarat, along with Maharashtra and West Bengal, has always played a vital role in sustaining Kashmir’s tourism economy,” he said, expressing hope that Gujarati travellers would soon return in large numbers.
However, the visit also carried a clear political tone.
Addressing the media on July 30, Abdullah strongly criticised the Centre and the J&K administration over intelligence and security failures related to the Pahalgam attack. “Even the Lieutenant Governor has admitted there was a failure. If that’s the case, someone must be held accountable,” he stated.
While all three terrorists involved in the attack have been neutralised, Abdullah pointed out that no action has been taken against officials responsible for the lapses.
He also questioned the government’s post-Article 370 narrative. “They said terrorism would end after 370 was removed. It’s been five years, and terrorists are still being killed. So what happened to those promises?” he asked.
Abdullah met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at his office in Gandhinagar. The meeting focused on strengthening inter-state cooperation, promoting tourism, and sharing best practices for inclusive development.
