East Meets North: Bengal and Kashmir to Sign MoU for Tourism Revival
By: Javid Amin | 11 July 2025
In a significant show of solidarity, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Kolkata on July 10, 2025, to discuss urgent steps to ensure tourist safety in Kashmir following recent terror incidents.
The meeting follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, which together claimed 26 lives, including several tourists from West Bengal.
Amid growing national concern and a slump in tourism in the Valley, both leaders pushed for central government assurance to restore confidence among travelers.
Key Highlights from the Mamata-Omar Meeting
Mamata’s Message to the Centre
- Reiterated that border and internal security in Kashmir is a Central Government responsibility
- Urged the Union Home Ministry to take “urgent, visible, and credible steps” to boost tourist confidence
- Stressed that every Indian citizen has the right to travel safely, including to J&K and Ladakh
Omar Thanks Bengal
- Omar Abdullah thanked Mamata Banerjee and the people of West Bengal for standing by Kashmir during a time of loss
- Acknowledged the tragic deaths of Bengali tourists in the Pahalgam incident and pledged “no compromise on safety” going forward
Signing of a New MoU
- The two leaders discussed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote:
- Tourism revival initiatives between the two states
- Cultural exchange programs
- Trade collaboration in handicrafts, textiles, and agro products
Mamata to Visit Kashmir
- Mamata Banerjee accepted Omar’s invitation to visit Kashmir after Durga Puja 2025
- Her visit is expected to include:
- Interaction with local artisans and tour operators
- Visits to Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg
- Inauguration of a Bengal-Kashmir cultural center in Srinagar
Why This Meeting Matters
This high-profile meeting marks a political and emotional bridge between two diverse states united by a shared goal—restoring confidence in Kashmir as a safe and vibrant tourist destination.
The call for central intervention comes amid:
- A sharp dip in tourist footfall since the Pahalgam attack
- Concerns from travel agents and hoteliers across Kashmir
- Fears of cancellation of summer and autumn tour bookings
“If India wants to promote domestic tourism, then safety must be guaranteed not only in Goa or Himachal, but also in Kashmir.” — Mamata Banerjee, CM West Bengal
“We will rebuild tourism with Bengal’s support. Our people are ready. The world must see that Kashmir is open, safe, and beautiful.” — Omar Abdullah, CM J&K
Next Steps:
1. Drafting of Bengal-Kashmir MoU
- Final draft to be reviewed by both tourism departments within two weeks
- Provisions for mutual tourist packages, artist exchange, and safety protocols
2. Joint Campaign: “From Howrah to Himalayas”
- A co-branded media initiative to promote Kashmir among Bengali tourists
- Includes:
- Metro station hoardings
- Bengali-language travel guides
- Train-based tourism promotions
3. Industry Collaboration
- Stakeholder meetings to be held with:
- Kolkata travel agents
- Srinagar hotel associations
- Airline operators
4. Central Government Pressure
- A joint letter to be drafted urging Home Ministry and Ministry of Tourism to:
- Deploy more tourist protection forces
- Invest in panic-button-based alert systems
- Open a dedicated safety and grievance cell for travelers in Kashmir
Reactions & Commentary
Tourism Stakeholders React
“This partnership gives us hope. We were seeing up to 70% cancellations before this meeting.” — Fayaz Ahmad, Hotelier, Pahalgam
Political Circles Watch Keenly
The meeting is also seen as a strong federalist statement:
- Opposition parties working around the Centre to fix regional crises
- Highlighting the limits of central security guarantees in politically sensitive zones
