• Source:JND
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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday announced plans to build a memorial in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadows to honour the 26 people who lost their lives in the terror attack 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.

Earlier in the day, Abdullah convened a special cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, a symbolic move to show defiance against terror and reaffirm the commitment to the region’s development.

In his first press conference since the April 22 terror attack at Baisaran meadows, Abdullah said that tourism should be “conflict-neutral" and not serve as a gauge for normalcy.

Addressing a gathering of tour and travel operators, Abdullah stressed the importance of reviving the region’s declining tourism sector. “In today’s cabinet meeting, the Public Works Department was authorised to grant in-principle approval for this memorial," he added.

He also mentioned that suggestions would be sought to ensure the memorial is both magnificent and dignified.

In his first press conference since the April 22 terror attack at Baisaran meadows, Abdullah said that tourism should be “conflict-neutral" and not serve as a gauge for normalcy.

Prior to this, the advocacy group People’s Action had written to the Chief Minister, urging him to consider setting up a memorial to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

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In a statement, the group said, “People’s Action has reminded CM Abdullah of a proposal it submitted on May 2, seeking to commemorate the victims of the Pahalgam massacre at Baisaran Valley."

The NGO stressed the importance of India acknowledging the loss of innocent lives and creating a memorial that serves as a reminder of the region’s long-standing struggles with terrorism and religious persecution.

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“We are hopeful that the Chief Minister will lead this effort to bring closure to a tragic incident that deeply impacted many lives," Sanjay Kaul, founder of People’s Action, said as quoted by news agency PTI.