Srinagar, May 8 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday appreciated the Army and the civil administration for rescuing tourists stranded in the higher reaches of Gulmarg after a technical snag developed in a private helicopter.

An official statement said that the Chief Minister appreciated the prompt and coordinated efforts of the Army and the civil administration in safely rescuing the stranded tourists following the helicopter malfunction in the ski resort town.

The Chief Minister commended the swift response and close coordination among all agencies involved in the rescue operation, which ensured the safety and well-being of the tourists.

He further directed the administration to take all necessary measures to strengthen safety protocols and ensure a safe and secure experience for tourists visiting the region, so as to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding tourists and maintaining high standards of safety at all tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir.

Summer tourism has started gaining momentum in Kashmir as temperatures rise in the plains across the country.

Tourism in J&K had suffered a major setback after Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists, at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22 last year.

In an effort to restore tourists’ confidence, Omar Abdullah held a Cabinet meeting in Pahalgam and toured the town on a bicycle along with his sons after the terror attack.

The Chief Minister also visited several metropolitan cities to hold meetings with tour and travel operators and other stakeholders, urging them to encourage tourists to return to the Valley.

Locals held spontaneous protests against the terror attack and carried out candlelight marches condemning the terrorists responsible for the killings.

Tourists responded positively and gradually started returning to the Kashmir Valley after the attack, reflecting confidence in the goodwill and hospitality of the local people.

–IANS

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