Peerzadah Ummer
Srinagar, Jul 8: Asserting that people of Jammu and Kashmir have realized that their future is secure with India, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that it has become known to all that Pakistan is the biggest enemy of people of J&K and has only one agenda i.e. to destroy the Union Territory.
Addressing the ‘Tourism Secretaries’ Meet of Union Territories here, Lieutenant Governor said, “Ordinary citizens are taking a stand against terrorism. Street protests against Pakistan-backed terrorists is a good sign to establish permanent peace in the valley. Entire Jammu Kashmir must rise and make sure terrorists have no place in this beautiful union territory.”
“In J&K, Security forces have a huge role in ending terrorism but the role of society is also no less. Terrorists’ attempt to draw their sustenance from society should be foiled,” he added.
“This conference is a befitting reply to terrorism and reflects J&K’s march towards peace, progress and prosperity. Under the leadership of PM Modi, J&K is an unstoppable force and it will continue to flourish,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Highlighting the unprecedented development Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, LG Sinha said, “The region has emerged as one of the top travel destinations in the country, surpassing the national average in tourist influx.”
“In 2024 alone, more than 2.02 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “This record-breaking figure reflects a transformational change in the UT’s tourism sector. We are not only promoting traditional tourist destinations, but also focusing on adventure tourism, border tourism, and off-beat locations like Bangus and Lolab, which are now attracting lakhs of visitors annually.”
Calling the successful hosting of the G20 summit in Kashmir a “landmark achievement,” LG Sinha said it has elevated the global profile of the region and showcased its potential as a world-class travel and investment destination.
“This was followed by major international and national events which not only showcased our organizational capabilities but presented J&K as a destination for luxury, film, entertainment, and global engagement,” he added.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir has made strides in inclusivity and grassroots empowerment through tourism. “More than 65% of homestays in J&K are being run by women, reflecting a new era of empowerment and economic participation,” he said. He also said that the country’s first Book Village was established in Kashmir in 2023, further enriching the cultural tourism landscape.
With a view to boost high-value tourism and create sustainable destinations, LG Sinha announced the development of a major tourism infrastructure project in Srinagar. “A 146-acre land parcel at Tatoo Ground, being developed by the Government of India will soon become a global tourist hub. I am confident that once this project is completed, Kashmir will attract more tourists than even Davos,” he asserted.
He revealed that plans are in motion to construct a ropeway leading up to the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine to ease the journey for pilgrims and promote spiritual tourism.
“We are also exploring ways to develop two Phase Ropeway for to the holy cave shrine to facilitate the old-aged and divyangjan,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Highlighting the revival of Bollywood’s interest in the region, which was dormant for over three decades, LG Sinha said, “Jammu and Kashmir is now a favourite destination not just for tourism, but also for weddings and film shoots, bringing in a new wave of economic opportunities.”
In the past five years, over 5,000 hotels have been constructed across the Union Territory. “While I acknowledge that many of these structures may have bypassed certain regulations, it is important to note that nearly 90% of the investment in these hospitality units has come from the native residents of Kashmir,” he said, calling it a testament to the people’s confidence in the region’s future.
He said, “Peace is the prerequisite for development, and the people of J&K have shown that they are ready to embrace progress. The government is committed to ensuring this peace remains enduring and inclusive.”
Referring to J&K’s natural beauty, LG Sinha said, “God has truly been generous to Jammu and Kashmir. This land, adorned with snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes, apple-laden orchards, temples and rolling meadows, is a living canvas of natural beauty, spirituality and peace.”
We have strengthened traditional tourism circuits and expanded tourism’s horizon. We have ensured benefits of tourism reach every corner of J&K UT and transform lives. The people of J&K and their warm hospitality makes Jammu and Kashmir a truly fascinating tourist destination,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated the administration’s commitment to promote sustainable tourism, under the SPREAD (Strategic Promotion and Revamping of Emerging Alternate Destinations in J&K). This strategy aims to mitigate environmental pressure by diversifying tourist activities to lesser-known and emerging destinations.
“Our aim is to bring 9 Emerging Destinations on the national-international tourism map and provide direct employment to at least 5 lakh people in the first year and these destinations will be able to attract high value tourists,” he added.
The occasion was also graced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism. Others who were present included V. Vidyavathi, Union Secretary, Tourism; Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Tourism; Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Tourism, Praveen Kumar Rai, Joint Secretary, MHA; Tourism Secretaries, officials from Government of India and UT Administration, panellists and experts.
