Will combat terrorism with tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, says Union minister for tourism

Union Minister for Tourism Mahesh Sharma on Sunday said the Centre will "combat terrorism" in Jammu and Kashmir with tourism and advised Pakistan to mind its own business.

"Let the neighbouring country mind its own business, we will mind our own. We will work for Jammu and Kashmir and our country. Let them work for themselves... they do not have an identity. If their actions are dangerous, then we will strengthen ourselves," he said.

Sharma said that the state will be made a paradise by the new alliance.

"We will combat terrorism by means of tourism... Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed have the dream of taking this paradise on earth to newer heights of peace and development and we will work towards that," he said.

The Union minister of state (independent charge) was speaking at a tourism conclave at the famous ski-resort in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. The minister assured that his ministry would look into the demands of night flights and international flights at the Srinagar Airport.

"I assure you that I will look into your demands and inform you of my decision within a week. I will try to have one to two flights per day from Srinagar to Jeddah," he said.

Referring to BJP-PDP coalition in the state, the Union minister said it was a "good bond" which would give a new direction to the state.

"I feel that there has been a good bond between Jammu and Kashmir and the government of India this time, which will give a new direction to the state both in terms of tourism and development. I understand that the people of Kashmir and the whole world will feel good about this bond," he said.

Sharma said, "the Centre was duty bound to take Kashmir to those heights in tourism which the whole world expected us to".

"The vision of this pair -- the PM and the CM-- will take this state and the country forward," he said.

Sharma also assured the state government of reviving three hotels which are under the Union ministry – ITDC Hotel at Gulmarg, Centaur Hotel in Srinagar and Ashoka Hotel in Jammu.

"I will take this up and you will see that I will do it in three months time," he said.

The Union Minister said the Central Government is committed to provide all assistance to the development of tourism sector in the state. He announced three circuits for Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh divisions under the new Central scheme named 'Swadesh Darshan'.

"Under this scheme, the Union Government will fund Shankaracharya -Chatti Padshahi-Hazratbal-Chrar-e-Sharief Spiritual Circuit, State-of-the-art Yoga Centre at Mantalai, Jammu and Leh Buddhist Spiritual Centre in Ladakh," the minister said.

He assured the state government of releasing Rs 127 crore package for restoring the tourism infrastructure damaged in the floods last year.

"The Central government will also provide financial assistance to restore Tagore Hall at Srinagar and Abhinav Theatre at Jammu to its pristine glory," he said.

The conclave was attended by a galaxy of hoteliers, tour and travel operators from all over the country, who also shared their views on the occasion. 

Earlier, the Chief Minister, along with Union Tourism Minister, inaugurated the helicopter service for heli-sightseeing and sorties to Srinagar Airport. The chopper service will also operate paid sorties from Gulmarg to Mount Apharwat, Sunshine Peak and Tosa Maidan in Budgam district.