In a significant show of inter-state solidarity, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced her intention to visit Jammu and Kashmir after the upcoming Durga Puja festival, following an invitation extended by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Addressing a joint press conference, Banerjee expressed her admiration for Kashmir and emphasized the importance of cultural and economic cooperation between the two regions.
“I have accepted his invitation to visit J&K. After the Pooja festival, I will try to be there,” she said, reaffirming her personal affection for Kashmir. “It is a very important part of our nation, and it is very beautiful. I am a great fan of Kashmir. I love Kashmir—it is my heart-pounding love for all my Kashmiri brothers and sisters.”
Banerjee urged tourists from across India, especially Bengal, to revisit Kashmir, stating that there is “nothing to be afraid of” and underlined the need for governments to ensure the safety of all tourists. “Our tourists should visit Kashmir. The government should ensure security. We are ready to help Kashmir,” she said.
The West Bengal CM also proposed deeper cooperation in areas such as tourism and technical education, calling it an opportunity to create jobs, encourage youth mobility, and improve regional collaboration. “We will walk together in the tourism and technical education departments,” she said.
Further promoting cultural inclusivity, Banerjee extended an invitation to Kashmiri women to participate in Bengal’s Durga Puja festivities, one of the largest cultural celebrations in the country. “We welcome Kashmiri women to come and join our Pooja festival,” she added, suggesting that such participation could serve as a symbol of national unity and mutual respect.
She also invited industrialists and tourism stakeholders to consider collaborative ventures between West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir. “I request that the industrialists and the tourism sector work together with the Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal governments so that they can visit our state, and we can visit theirs. There should also be some cultural exchange programs,” she stated.
