Srinagar: Terming terrorists as enemies of people, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that the killing of tourists by ultras resulted in complete devastation of the tourism industry in the state.
"When lakhs of people were destined to come here these enemies of Kashmiris who claim themselves to be champions of their cause have driven the tourists to other destinations," Azad said after laying foundation stone of Qazigund-Kulgam road on Sunday.
"Kashmir which was known throughout the world for its hospitality and humbleness has been disreputed throughout the world by these elements," he said.
"It was on the demand of shopkeepers, handicraft artisans, hoteliers and houseboat owners that state government was endeavouring to bring tourists in large numbers to the state, but direct attacks on their vehicles with grenades have brought tourism industry to grinding halt," the Chief Minister said.
He also expressed anguish that 50 to 60 per cent tourists have turned back and tourist cancellations to the extent of 80 per cent has been reported.
Referring to the recent grenade incident at Kulgam on National Conference member of Legislative Council Sakina Ittoo, Azad said it was unfortunate that the people who were celebrating creation of Kulgam district were showered with grenades and their jubilation was converted into mourning.
Azad expressed surprise that terrorists are out to kill innocent civilians for no fault of theirs and said how long people of Kashmir would remain silent spectators.
He said that time has come for the people to rise to the occasion and launch a vigorous campaign against tyranny of terrorists.
Azad said that the Centre is liberally financing the state for construction of roads, industrialisation, rail connectivity, strengthening public health engineering and power infrastructure, construction of bridges, technology parks and enriching state in all respects.
The militants are bent on hampering all the steps that are being taken in this direction, he added.
Comments
0 comment