Govt to push for border tourism
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 7 : Jammu and Kashmir should become a State again as soon as possible, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today.
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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the National Tribal Festival in the frontier Gurez sector in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Omar said it has been a long time since the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to restore J-K’s Statehood “as soon as possible”.
“When the court gave its ruling in the Article 370 case, there were two important aspects in that. One was related to (assembly) elections, that elections should be conducted within a timeframe. The court also talked about Statehood, saying Statehood should be restored to Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible,” Abdullah said.
“Now, a lot of time has passed since then. We want Jammu and Kashmir to become a State again as soon as possible,” the Chief Minister added.
Referring to the tribal festival, Abdullah said such events promote cultural exchanges.
“I hope more people will like to visit Gurez after this festival. The people got an opportunity, people from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu came here, and they also got an opportunity for the first time to see the culture of a different area. This is the benefit of such festivals, we get to know about different cultures and cuisines that a big country like India has to offer,” he added. Click here to watch video
To a question about promoting border tourism, Abdullah said that when the borders remain calm, the Government will itself push for border tourism.
We want tourism to increase in areas like Gurez, Tangdhar, Keran and Machil. Similarly, border tourism will be promoted in Jammu as well. This is a way to reduce unemployment in these areas and improve the economy of the people, the Chief Minister said.
Tribal groups from different regions of the country showcased their vibrant cultures at the festival.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “Our tribal communities are the living soul of India’s cultural diversity. Festivals like these strengthen the bonds of unity and mutual respect across regions.”
Earlier, the Chief Minister flagged off rafting in the Kishanganga river in the Gurez valley.
He said with nature as its playground, Gurez is set to become a premier destination for adventure seekers.
Emphasising the need for improved connectivity, the Chief Minister assured the people that efforts are underway to provide mobile network coverage to keep Gurez connected with the rest of the country.
Earlier, Omar toured various stalls showcasing local produce, herbs, traditional foods, and handicrafts. Tribal dance performances by cultural troupes from Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat added colour and diversity to the celebrations.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed appreciation certificates to women-led Self Help Groups for their entrepreneurial efforts.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi; MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq; Additional Secretary, Tribal Affairs (Government of India); Secretary, Tribal Affairs (J&K) and Director, Tribal Affairs also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier in the morning, Omar held a grievance redressal camp at Wampora, Dawar, where residents from various areas including Chorwan, Kanzalwan, Tulail, Markote, and Bagtore raised issues concerning road and mobile connectivity, upgradation of educational institutions, banking facilities, ATM services, community bunkers, and employment opportunities. He patiently listened to all grievances and assured timely redressal.
He said that since the time of Sher-e-Kashmir, has remained committed to delivering justice to the people of Gurez. “We understand the hardships faced by the people of this region. Our Government has empathy and commitment to address these concerns,” he remarked.
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