Anantnag: Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited the Pahalgam terror attack site on Thursday and said the strength of the people and the “quiet resolve” to not let fear define them represent the “real soul of Kashmir”.
Shekhawat, who also visited the ancient Martand sun temple at Mattan in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, promised topmost security for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
In a post on X, the minister shared that he was “deeply moved” to meet Sajjad Ahmad Bhatt, who had carried an injured tourist to safety after the Pahalgam attack.
“In a moment of fear and chaos, he chose courage and humanity above all. His selfless act is the real reflection of the spirit of Kashmir — brave, compassionate, and unwavering,” he said, and also shared a small video, titled “Meeting the Pahalgam Hero”.
Shekhawat, who arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday morning as part of his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah a day ago.
On the second day of his trip, he visited the verdant tourist site at Pahalgam in Anantnag district and interacted with locals and tourists.
“A heavy heart but one filled with hope in Pahalgam this noon. Visited the site of the dastardly terror attack and interacted with locals and tourists who have brought the region back to its lively spirit and everyday rhythm,” Shekhawat said in a post on X.
He asserted that the “strength of the people, their unwavering hospitality, and the quiet resolve to not let fear define them. This is the real soul of Kashmir. #IncredibleIndia”, and also shared a video clip of his interaction with a group of tourists.
Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has been badly hit after the April 22 terror attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.
A local pony operator and a Nepalese national were also among the victims.
Shekhawat offered prayers at the Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine in Tulamulla and the Naranag temple complex in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal on Wednesday.
On Thursday, after visiting the Martand sun temple, the minister appealed to pilgrims to preserve the environment and natural beauty of the valley.
“People should come for the Amarnath Yatra. The Amarnath Yatra is safe, the government of India and the state government are committed, and you will not get even a scratch,” Shekhawat told PTI Videos after visiting the temple.
The annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to be held from July 3 to August 9.
Shekhawat asserted that Kashmir is safe, adding that tourists should visit the valley not only to enjoy its natural beauty, but also for its rich cultural heritage.
“I appeal to the 140 crore people of India to try to get to know about Kashmir’s heritage and its historical grandeur and divinity, along with its natural beauty,” he said.
To a question on the preservation of famous historical monuments in the valley, the Union minister said some restoration work has been carried out, but there is a need to do more.
“Those monuments that come under the Archaeological Survey of India, the organisation works for their protection, and the state government protects those assets that come under the state archaeology (department).
“I have seen that restoration work has been carried out and it has been carried out very well, but there is a need to work more earnestly on this heritage, which is centuries-old, and we are doing that so that the people of the country take pride in their heritage in the future as well,” he said.
Shekhawat also shared photos of his visit to the Martand temple.
“Visited the majestic Martand Temple, that is a profound reflection of the glory of Kashmir’s civilisational past. Built by the legendary King Lalitaditya, this grand temple dedicated to Surya was one of the earliest and most magnificent sun temples in India,” he said.
The minister also visited the Avanti Swami temple in the Awantipora area of Pulwama district.
“An enchanted morning at the Avantipora temple complex in Kashmir today. These stones that are remains of the mighty temples once built by King Avantivarman in what was once his capital tell tales of the cultural glory of that era.
“With the picturesque Himalayan mountains for a backdrop, these are sites that take one on a journey through time,” he said.
Shekhawat said he reviewed the tourist facilities and upkeep efforts being undertaken there along with officials of the ASI and the district administration.
The Union minister held an interaction with the chief minister on Wednesday evening.
“During my visit to Jammu and Kashmir, I was graciously invited for a dinner interaction by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah Ji. In a warm and cordial atmosphere, we held a positive and forward-looking discussion on the development of the tourism sector in J&K,” the minister said in a post on X.
He said emphasis was laid on enhancing infrastructure, promoting heritage sites and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities through tourism.
“Such engagements reflect our collective commitment to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a global tourism destination that celebrates its culture, nature, and people,” he added.
A day after the Pahalgam attack, Shekhawat had said his ministry would do the best to “minimise the dent” on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
In another post on X, the Union minister shared some images of his time spent at Pahalgam and said “the quiet determination of the local hospitality business community to keep Kashmir welcoming and vibrant is truly heartening”.
