Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Jul 10: In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called on the Union government to take full responsibility for ensuring security in Jammu & Kashmir to restore tourist confidence.

Speaking during a joint press briefing with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the state secretariat Nabanna, Mamata emphasised that security in the Union Territory is not the domain of the state government but that of the Centre.

“Security arrangements in Jammu & Kashmir fall under the Union government's purview. I urge them to consult Omar Abdullah and take urgent steps to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of tourists,” she said.

Mamata also proposed a memorandum of understanding between the West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir governments to boost tourism and cultural exchange between the two regions.

“I encourage Bengal’s film industry to consider shooting in Kashmir. At the same time, I invite the people of J&K to visit Bengal during Durga Puja. We are open to full cooperation in this regard,” she added.

CM Omar Abdullah, who is on a visit to Kolkata, expressed gratitude to Mamata Banerjee for her solidarity following the recent Pahalgam incident and Operation Sindoor, noting the timely gesture of sending a Trinamool Congress delegation to Kashmir.

“I thank Mamata Didi for standing with us during a difficult time. I invite her to visit J&K and spend some time there as our guest,” he said.

He also welcomed the idea of joint efforts to strengthen tourism ties.

“We will ensure that tourists from Bengal feel safe and welcome. It is our responsibility,” Abdullah said.

The meeting underscored a spirit of regional collaboration, with both leaders signalling a desire to deepen tourism and cultural ties amid ongoing security concerns.