New Delhi: Union Minister Confident About Kashmir’s Tourism Resumption
Despite the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, expressed confidence that the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3, would proceed smoothly. He assured that the attack would not derail Kashmir’s tourism sector, which he emphasized would resume soon.
“The people of India are capable and confident that tourism will return to Kashmir soon. The Amarnath Yatra will be successfully conducted, and no one can divert Kashmir from the path of progress,” Goyal stated, highlighting the region’s ongoing development despite recent setbacks.
Amarnath Yatra Preparations Remain on Track
Registrations for the Amarnath Yatra, which began on April 15, have been progressing across multiple bank branches in India. The yatra, which is a major pilgrimage for Hindus, will start simultaneously from the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the Baltal track in Ganderbal district. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 9, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Goyal Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack
Mr. Goyal strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, reiterating India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism. The attack, which left 26 people dead, including one Nepali national, has further strained relations with Pakistan, which India accuses of harboring terrorist groups.
“India will not tolerate terrorism. We have no interest in engaging in trade with a country like Pakistan, which supports terrorism. There will be no place in India where terrorism will be allowed to rise,” Goyal said, emphasizing that the Indian government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Visa Cancellations and Broader Strategy Against Terrorism
Piyush Goyal reiterated the government’s decision to cancel all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and insisted they must leave India. These actions are part of a broader strategy to combat cross-border terrorism, which has been a persistent issue for India.
He also recalled the words of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who described cross-border terrorism as a threat to civilized society, calling on the nation to unite in response to these threats. “We will identify, trace, and punish the terrorists and their backers. This is the resolve of every Indian,” Goyal added.
Condolences and National Unity in the Aftermath
Expressing his condolences to the victims’ families, Goyal highlighted the nationwide outrage following the attack. “From Kargil to Kanyakumari, there is a collective sense of grief. We pray for the victims and for the quick recovery of the injured,” he said.
Diplomatic and Security Measures Taken
In response to the attack, the Indian government convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting resulted in several key decisions, including downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelling Pakistani officials, and suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
Additionally, India took decisive steps by suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan irrevocably ends its support for cross-border terrorism. The Integrated Check Post at Attari, the only land border crossing between the two countries, was also closed as part of these measures.
Military and Diplomatic Response Continues
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar on Friday to assess the security situation following the attack. An all-party meeting was also held to discuss the attack’s implications and formulate a unified response. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed full support for the government’s actions in combating terrorism.
As tensions remain high, the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) continues to be monitored, with both countries engaging in unprovoked firing. However, there have been no casualties reported on either side as of now.
Conclusion
Despite the tragic attack, Union Minister Piyush Goyal remains optimistic about the future of tourism in Kashmir, especially the successful completion of the Amarnath Yatra. Meanwhile, India continues to take strong diplomatic, military, and security measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and send a clear message to those supporting terrorism.
