Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, May 17: Asserting that tourism has been hit quite badly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the government is now focused on Amarnath Yatra and wants to ensure the annual pilgrimage passes off peacefully.
Talking to reporters here, Omar said tourism has been hit quite badly and there are hardly any tourists coming here in this summer season. “We are now focused on Amarnath Yatra and want to ensure that every pilgrim leaves from here safe and sound,” he said. “We want the incident-free annual pilgrimage. Later on, we will start looking at what we can do to promote tourism.”
The Chief Minister further said the ceasefire is intact and there were no reports of any violations from the LoC and the border. “At present, the damage assessment is being done. Once we get the report, the compensation will be provided to the affected people,” he said. Wherever needed, we will get the centre’s assistance, Omar added.
Moreover, the CM, while reacting to the all-party delegation visiting different countries, said, “During the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, a similar kind of delegation was deputed to multiple countries post-Parliament attack. It is once again a good opportunity to put forth India’s voice.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a day-long public outreach programme for the second straight day at the Raabita Office in Srinagar. He met several public delegations and individuals who flagged a range of issues and demands for resolution.
