Mamata Banerjee, Omar Abdullah agree on increased coordination in industry and tourism

West Bengal Chef Minister Mamata Banerjee met Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah in Kolkata on Thursday and urged the Centre to act swiftly to ensure security of Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is essential to boost tourism in the region.

“The Centre must take steps to ensure safety and security so that more and more tourists visit Kashmir. It must also strengthen border security in the region,” Banerjee told the media after the meeting.

The meeting that took place at the West Bengal state secretariate was the first interaction between the two leaders since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, that claimed the lives of 26 people. The incident sparked national concern over the security situation in the Kashmir Valley.


The two state leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation between Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal, particularly in the areas of industry and tourism.

“I want Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal to work in close coordination in sectors of industry and tourism,” Omar Abdullah said after the meeting.

Abdullah also invited Banerjee to visit Kashmir and the Bengal CM said she would try to travel to the Union Territory after the Durga Puja festivities later this year.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir are like our brothers and sisters. I have been invited to visit Jammu and Kashmir, and I have accepted the invitation. I will try to visit after Durga Puja. I am ready to provide all possible assistance to Jammu and Kashmir, and I urge tourists from West Bengal to visit the region," Banerjee said.

The J&K chief minister’s visit to Kolkata comes amid renewed efforts by his administration to boost tourism and investment in the Union Territory, which continues to grapple with security challenges in the aftermath of recent militant attacks.