Taking a dig at Hurriyat's invitation of "tourists" to Kashmir, BJP's Ram Madhav said the separatists were more interested in welcoming "terrorists" to the state.
Taking a dig at Hurriyat's invitation of "tourists" to Kashmir, BJP leader Ram Madhav said the separatists were more interested in welcoming "terrorists" to the state. "I consider it a spelling mistake by Hurriyat people.
They might have mistakenly said tourists in place of terrorists. They always welcome terrorists (to Kashmir)," he told reporters here.
The separatist leaders, who have been spearheading the five-month-long unrest in Kashmir, had in a surprise move yesterday invited tourists and pilgrims to visit the Valley to enjoy the traditional hospitality of its people while promising them safety.
The BJP National General Secretary said nobody trusted the separatists and if they were so "sincere" about peace, they should stop issuing calendars (of shutdowns). "On one side, you (Hurriyat) preach terrorism and on the other, you issue calendars by shutting down shops, business establishments and educational institutions. Then, you do this drama of issuing statements of inviting tourists to Kashmir," he said.
Stating that this was the "biggest hypocrisy" by the Hurriyat, Madhav said, "If they want tourists in the Valley, they should first restore peace in the Valley. But unfortunately, they are the biggest hurdle in restoration of peace and normalcy in Kashmir."
He also hit at National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah for supporting the Hurriyat's call in this regard and questioned the leader's "change of mind". "Farooq Abdullah's statement is very unfortunate and surprising. He is the same Farooq, who used to release statements against Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir Valley and today suddenly he wants to move forward on the path of Hurriyat," he said. Abdullah, while addressing his party workers at a function to commemorate the 111th birth anniversary of his father and party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah at Hazratbal on December 5, had said his party was not against the Hurriyat and supported the Kashmiris' demand for their rights but it would not tread the "wrong path" for achieving these goals.
Minister of State for Tourism Mahesh Sharma welcomed the "initiative". "My big salute goes to all those who support tourism, and yes, we are for it. The vision of our great Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is to see that the Valley comes back again. We are all prepared to see and ensure that the tourism industry in the Valley flourishes and for that any steps need to be taken, we will come a step forward.
"Tourism will change the shape of the Valley and will bring the glory back...as a Tourism Minister I welcome their initiative and of course other calls will be taken by the Government of India," Sharma told reporters here. Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said everyone should promote tourism as Jammu and Kashmir has been "very, very important" for the sector. "If there is peace in the Valley, tourism will flourish there and if tourism increases, it will economically benefit the state and its people. Promotional tourism is absolutely necessary to revive the economy because it is very important part of their social life," Rijiju said.
Two factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF, which have been spearheading the five-month-long unrest in Kashmir that has thrown life into complete disarray, had in a surprise joint statement last night invited tourists and pilgrims to visit the Valley to enjoy the traditional hospitality of its people while promising them safety. Separatist leader Yasin Malik on Wednesday invited the tourists and pilgrims to visit Kashmir, adding that the people of the valley have been ‘safeguarding and providing exemplary hospitality’ to them. Malik said the people of Kashmir have always respected, safeguarded and served their guests even during tough times.
‘In 2014 there was a flood, every Kashmiri suffered because of the flood’.This year this is the fifth month as far as the unrest is going on. The pilgrims were here, tourist were here. So, do you have any one single complain from them that they are facing any kind of fear factor in Kashmir’ So, we reiterated that though the people of Kashmir are facing the worst kind of suppression through the end of the forces. As far as the tourist and the pilgrims are concerned, they are always welcomed here,’ he told ANI.
‘The tourists and pilgrims should not feel any kind of fear here. The people of Kashmir are famous for their hospitality,’ he said while extending the whole-hearted welcome to the tourists and yatris intending to visit Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said tourism is ideal for economic revival of Kashmir, adding it is in the interest of everybody.
‘Promotion of tourism is absolutely necessary to revive the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. It is very important part of their social life. So, it is in the interest of everybody. We want to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir because Kashmir has been very important for the tourism sector,’ he said.
The separatist leaders have in a surprise move invited tourists and pilgrims to visit the Valley to enjoy the traditional hospitality of its people while promising them safety.
Leaders of the two factions of Hurriyat Conference issued a joint statement asking people from outside to visit the Valley reminding them of the "exemplary hospitality" extended by the Kashmiris.
The Kashmir Valley is witnessing continued turmoil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with the security forces on July 8.
With inputs from PTI and ANI
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