Says “Kashmir Marathon will promote sports tourism, project J&K as safe destination”
Srinagar : 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 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.
