Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna in Kolkata on Thursday, marking their first meeting since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. The visit aimed to express gratitude, extend an invitation, and explore opportunities for collaboration between the two states.
Omar Abdullah, reflecting on their longstanding alliance, said, "When I was going through a politically difficult time in 2019 (due to abrogation of Article 370 and after the statehood was taken), Mamata Banerjee stood by us. She had said that what was happening with us was wrong. Even recently after the Pahalgam attack that happened in April 22, Mamata Didi stood by us, sent her team after ‘Operation Sindoor’ to meet with the victims in Poonch and elsewhere who had suffered due to Pakistan’s shelling. I came down thus to thank her." He extended a personal invitation to Banerjee, adding, "I have requested her to visit Kashmir, take out little time for two-three days. I have been her guest several times and I thus want her to be our guest. We also want to work together in fields of trade, industrialisation, and tourism. I wish tourists from Bengal visit us. It’s my responsibility to take care of them."
Mamata Banerjee warmly reciprocated, emphasising solidarity and cooperation. "I extend my warm greetings and love with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He has taken the trouble to come and meet me even after the Pahalgam incident. I have accepted his invitation. After Puja, I will try to visit Kashmir," she said. Highlighting the allure of Kashmir, she encouraged tourism, stating, "I want our people to visit Kashmir, there’s no reason to worry. Omar Abdullah has said that he will take care of the security." However, in a subtle reminder of the Centre’s role, she added, "Government of India also must take care of the tourists. Because the law and order is not with the state government. The security forces come under the Centre. Kashmir is such a beautiful place, the government must ensure their security. It’s their responsibility. If need be, the Government of India must set a meeting with Omar Abdullah and fix things."
Banerjee’s remarks underscored the Centre’s responsibility for security, indirectly referencing the intelligence failure in the Pahalgam attack. She also proposed deeper collaboration, saying, "We will work together in terms of tourism department, technical education department. I will also urge our departments to have MoU with their state. There must be some cultural exchange programs. I urge them to join our Puja festival."
