Gulmarg, May 28: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport and Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma Wednesday said the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to choose peace and tourism over terrorism, even as external threats persist.
Speaking with reporters, the minister said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown unmatched bravery in standing up to decades of militant threats.
“Let the enemy choose terrorism. We will continue choosing tourism,” Sharma said, underlining the government’s resolve to welcome visitors and ensure that normalcy and hospitality remain defining features of the region. “If we lose hope, that’s their win. We will not let that happen,” he added.
The minister saluted the bravery of Indian soldiers, stating that they neutralized terror camps with precision to avoid civilian casualties, even as enemy forces retaliated by targeting civilian areas. “The people of India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir are strong and have been tackling this for decades. Terrorism won’t derail us,” he emphasized.
Calling for a unified front, minister Sharma urged all sections of society — from civil society to bureaucrats and administration to come together in the fight against terrorism. “Our befitting reply will be to keep tourism alive and growing. They want us to be terrorized, but we’ll respond by staying strong and peaceful,” he said.
In a pointed message to the national media, the minister appealed for more sensitivity and constructive coverage. “Jammu and Kashmir is India’s crown. We proudly say we remain at number one in uniting the nation — the rest is up to their sensitivity,” he remarked, asking the media to focus on the reality and growing tourism flow in the region.
He assured that the government is committed to ensuring smooth conduct of the Amarnath Ji Yatra, Kheer Bhawani Mela, and Eid celebrations. “There are no people more loving and hospitable than those of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, reiterating that peace and tourism are the state’s strongest answers to terrorism. (KNO)
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