* Calls on Lt Governor
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 2: Stressing that there is no need to be afraid, senior Congress leader and former Member of Parliament Dr Karan Singh today urged devotees and tourists to return to Kashmir in large numbers so that the local people can benefit.
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Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal’s Tulmulla-where the annual Mela is scheduled to be held on June 3-Dr Singh expressed hope that devotees would participate in the event with the same enthusiasm as in previous years.
“The Mela of Mata Kheer Bhawani is a significant event. Thousands used to come here, and I want to see people returning in large numbers once again,” he said.
He emphasized that fear is not the answer and does not lead to anything positive. “Fear achieves nothing. You have come to Mata, and Mata will ensure your safety and security. There is no need to be afraid, he added.”
Referring to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Dr Singh, who has also served as Sadr-e-Riyasat and Governor of erstwhile J&K state, said the incident was deeply painful and unimaginable.
“What happened there was tragic-no one could have imagined tourists simply walking by would be targeted by bullets,” he said.
He added that while the Government has responded to the attack, the losses caused by it need to be addressed.
“To make up for the losses, there’s only one way: people must come to Tulmulla in large numbers and for the Amarnath Yatra. At the same time, tourists should return so that the local population benefits,” he said.
“I appeal to the Government of India to take measures that will bring tourists back. The J&K Government will also do its part,” he added.
He emphasized: “We want people to come again. We can only welcome them-we cannot force them-but we hope more and more people return so that the locals benefit.”
Regarding the public reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack, the former MP said it was heartening to see people clearly reject such barbaric acts.
“This has happened only twice in my memory-once in 1947 and now-when people stood up and made it clear that they do not support such violence. That path has always led to destruction, and those who supported it should be held accountable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Karan Singh called on Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha.
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