J&K tourism minister assures security to tourists and pilgrims

Stating that Jammu and Kashmir was as safe as any other part of the country, State Tourism Minister G.H. Mir on Monday invited tourists and pilgrims to the state and assured them all possible security.

The visit of Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee to the state was a clear message of peace and normalcy and Kashmir is as ‘‘safe’ as any other state in the country, Mir, who was here to promote tourism in the state, said. ‘‘Not only the government but also the people of Kashmir are interested in promoting tourism’’, he said and asked people to visit Kashmir and assess the situation themselves.

‘‘Militancy was there like in any other state of the country and now it has become a worldwide phenomenon’’, he said assuring to provide all possible security to visitors. Jointly addressing the press conference, J-K tourism secretary K. Najamu S. Saqib said Kashmir has been projected more as a militant state than a ‘God gifted’ tourist spot. Mir and Saqib also addressed tour operators of Gujarat for promoting tourism and assured to look into the problems raised by them, including increasing the state quota for Amarnath yatris.