Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 21: Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana today said that situation in Jammu and Kashmir has significantly improved over the years and time had come for change in the mindset of nature lovers the world over so that the State blooms again with tourism related activities.
“For this there is crucial need for reviewing the advisories”, Mr Rana told British Deputy High Commissioner in India, Dr Alexander Evans OBE when he called on him here this evening.
Mr Rana and the Deputy High Commissioner discussed matters of mutual interest, especially with regard to the State’s immense tourism potential. Mr Rana enumerated the sustained efforts made during the tenure of Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and said that a strong edifice was laid and situation created for tourists to make the State as their destination.
The Provincial President said that the turnaround in the situation has been possible mainly because of the people’s deep yearning for peace and their faith in the system that has withstood test of times. He said though the challenges are not over yet people are determined to meet these with fortitude.
The British envoy, who is well versed with dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir politics, having remained a research scholar in Kashmir and Jammu in early nineties, elaborately discussed political evolution of the state, especially after the advent of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah at the centre-stage.
During two-hour discussions, Mr Rana and Mr Evans discussed socio-political and economic aspects of the State. The Provincial President apprised him about the initiatives like Himayat and Udaan taken for opening vistas of opportunities for the youth in rest of the country. He said focus on employability had been an area of priority for the National Conference led Government.
Mr Rana emphasized the crucial need of partnership between India and the UK, in the context of Jammu and Kashmir, in skill development and education. “A tie-up between varasities and collaborative approach could open up avenues in higher learning and shaping the economy of the State.
Mr Rana and the visiting British Deputy High Commissioner discussed volley of subjects including economy and overall political situation prevailing in the State.
Dr Evans shared his views on Indian way of life as he has a longstanding relationship with India, having spent periods as an undergraduate and graduate student in India and later written, taught and commented on the region.
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