Memorial To Come Up At Baisaran As Lasting Tribute To Victims Of April 22 Terror Attack

The memorial will come up at Baisaran, a hilltop green meadow about 5-km from Kashmir Valley’s premier resort Pahalgam and 100-km southeast of capital Srinagar, where the carnage took place on April 22.

“We have been discussing this from day one. A memorial will be set up in Baisaran for the 26 innocent lives lost, as a lasting tribute and a reminder that they will never be forgotten,” the Chief Minister said while addressing a gathering of travel and tour operators from across the country at Pahalgam.

Abdullah earlier during the day chaired a special meeting of the J&K cabinet at Pahalgam. He said, “In today’s cabinet meeting, held here in Pahalgam, the Public Works Department was authorized to grant in-principal approval for this memorial” He added that suggestions would be sought to ensure that the memorial is not only magnificent but also dignified and respectful.

Extending heartfelt gratitude to the visiting tour operators, the Chief Minister said, “I thank each one of you for coming to Pahalgam and supporting the revival of tourism. I recognize many of you as those who reignited tourism in the Valley during the most challenging times — when even the locals feared venturing out.”

He recalled the early 1990s when tourism first resumed in the Valley with the arrival of groups from Mumbai and Gujarat. “They helped restart tourism and brought it to its peak— until the events of April 22. No matter how strongly we condemn what happened that day, it will never be enough. We lack words to comfort the families of those 26 victims. We can only bow our heads in their memory”, he said.

While acknowledging security challenges, Abdullah stressed the need for strict measures. “Although we do not fully control the security apparatus, I believe what happened should never have happened. And we must do everything possible to ensure it never happens again,” he said.

On the reopening of tourist destinations post-Baisaran incident, he urged for transparency and openness in communicating with tourists. “Let’s not focus on what’s closed, but on what’s open. I believe it’s better to speak the truth rather than have tourists feel misled,” he said, adding, “The process of reopening will begin in a phased manner in the coming days. I visited Betaab Valley myself to assess the situation and to build confidence. Not all destinations will reopen at once, but some will gradually become accessible.”

The Chief Minister posted pictures of his roaming around Pahalgam on bicycle. He said, “Took advantage of being in Pahalgam to cycle around town for a little while this evening.”