STATE TIMES NEWS
Srinagar: Against the backdrop of terror attack on CRPF bus, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said violence was hurting the State’s economic interests, with tourism being the biggest casualty, and sought the support of the people in maintaining peace.
“Unfortunately, the State’s tourism and business fraternity has to suffer the brunt when atmosphere of peace is disturbed in the Valley by violent incidents,” Mehbooba said while talking to the members of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tourism, Transport and Culture here.
She noted that tourism is directly linked to economic revival and Jammu and Kashmir has been gifted by the God with breathtaking scenic beauty and water resources which need to be harnessed judiciously for tourism promotion.
Seeking support of the people of the State in maintaining peace, she said, “Tourism spreads best by the word of mouth and the players associated with the industry have played a key role in establishing a feel-good factor among the tourists.”
Her comments assume significance as these came against the backdrop of terror attack on CRPF bus in Pampore on Saturday in which eight security personnel were killed and 21 injured.
The Parliamentary Committee discussed issues pertaining to development of modern tourism infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesman said here on Monday.
Mehbooba told the committee members that the state government is in the process of developing new tourist destinations for which it needs adequate financial and technical support from the Central Government.
“We will involve experts in building state-of-the-art tourism infrastructure at these new destinations,” she said.
She said the government would not, however, allow vandalising of these new resorts as “has, unfortunately, happened” with some of the most cherished tourist destinations in the State.
