Srinagar, September 21, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is calm, peaceful, and fully open for business, dismissing recent security concerns as aberrations rather than the norm. Addressing the fourth meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Northern Regional Council 2025-26 in Srinagar, he urged industry leaders to view the region as a promising investment destination and called for balanced economic development by giving equal emphasis to tourism and industrialization.The Chief Minister highlighted the disparity in focus, noting that while tourism has seen significant growth and attention in recent months, industrial development has lagged behind. “Tourism is one part of our growth story, but the other part that requires equal attention is industrialization,” Abdullah stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening the investment ecosystem across J&K. He assured stakeholders that measures are in place to facilitate investments, including affordable land, electricity, GST reimbursements, and a skilled workforce, while encouraging businesses to explore sectors like agriculture, horticulture, and dairy where J&K holds competitive advantages—such as processing only 4% of its milk compared to 80% in states like Gujarat. On the perception gap regarding peace and security, Abdullah was candid: “J&K today is calm, peaceful, and open for business. Yes, there have been difficult times, but those are behind us. Tragic incidents like the one at Pahalgam are aberrations, not the norm, and every step is being taken to prevent its recurrence.” He referenced the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives mostly tourists, as an isolated event amid overall stability.Addressing unemployment as a critical challenge, the Chief Minister stressed the need to move beyond reliance on government jobs.
“Industrialisation and tourism together must create new employment avenues for our youth,” he asserted, inviting investors to harness J&K’s untapped potential in investor-friendly sectors and adapt to new GST rate structures. Abdullah also sought candid feedback from CII members on operational challenges, promising swift government action on legitimate concerns to build a sustainable industrial ecosystem. The event, organized by CII in Srinagar, underscores growing confidence in J&K’s business environment post the restoration of statehood and recent stability measures. Officials from the meeting reported enthusiastic participation from northern India’s industry leaders, signaling potential for increased private sector involvement.This push for balanced growth aligns with broader national initiatives under Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, positioning J&K as a hub for both leisure and manufacturing economies.
