Pahgam, May 27: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday claimed that the atmosphere of fear in Kashmir has reduced considerably and urged tourists to visit the valley again to enjoy their beauty.
The former Chief Minister of the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir also urged the Ministry of External Affairs to try to cancel the negative travel advice issued by some countries.
Tourism in Kashmir has been killed after the Pahalgam attack on 22 April in which 26 people were killed.
Abdullah said, “What happened here (Pahgam attack) was very sad, it should not have happened. People were coming here happily. People were busy with their work, they were not asking for government jobs. The situation in Pahgam was such that no rooms were available here,” Abdullah said here.
The Nekan chief visited the tourist resort and played golf in Pahalgam Golf Course with some friends.
He said that when the attack created an atmosphere of fear, the government has taken some steps to improve the security situation in the valley.
He said, “There was an atmosphere for fear, but I think the atmosphere of fear has reduced to a great extent. You can see how many people are coming to Pahalgam. I was in Gulmarg, 400-500 tourists,” he saw.
He said, “Thank God, fear is going now. The government has also taken some steps to strengthen the security system. I think people should come,” he said.
The former Union Minister appealed to the Center to make efforts to withdraw the travel advice issued by several countries against going to JK.
“I also request the Central Government, Foreign Minister that the time has come to remove the blocks kept abroad to go to India. Peace has come in both countries and we hope that peace will continue in future. They should also be allowed to come here as they also want to see this place.
Abdullah said that many people play golf and the game has now got a place in Khelo India Games. “It is played in the Olympic, common wealth games and Asian Games, so, now it needs everywhere. I think our people should come here in large numbers, play the game so that India gets medals in these games,” he said.
Praising the natural beauty of Kashmir, he said, “Look at this season and beauty, I have traveled to various places around the world, but I have not seen such beauty anywhere. I hope that those who see your channel, come here in large numbers, look at this beauty and make the country strong. We should be afraid, we are afraid if we are afraid, we are dead”.
On the annual Amarnath Yatra starting on 3 July, Abdullah said that pilgrimage is very important for us.
He said, “This has been going on for many years. I hope more hopes that the pilgrims will come here to give a glimpse of Shankar Bhagwan, Khale Nath, and then tell people back home how beautiful this place is,” he said.
For a question about JK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, held a meeting of his Council of Ministers, as well as in a meeting with tourism stakeholders in Pahgam later, the NC President said that it is important and sent a message that there is peace.
“One people will know that the entire cabinet is here and peace. They will also meet the stakeholders. It will also have an impact because the people here, whether it is Poniwala, Palki Walaah, Hotels, Taxvelllah, are bothering the most,” these people have taken a loan, some houses and holds have taken it for. I hope that more and more people of our country have come here and we show them that we have demonstrated hospitality in the past and we will do the same in future.
When asked about differences with his Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Rubullah Mehdi, especially at the party, Abdullah said that efforts were always made to break his party but the leadership was not worried.
“This is nothing new to us. It is happening. They will continue their efforts. They did so in my father’s time. It is not new to us, we are not worried. We are not worried. Why should we be worried?” We are here to solve the problems of the people and we will do that Insha Allah (God ready). You see how much change will happen in this state in five years, ”he said. (Agencies)
The atmosphere of fear in Kashmir less: Farooq Abdullah
