No trace of China tourist, missing in Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 27 (UNI) Police have launched a massive search operation to trace a woman tourist from Thailand, Haunge Sui Chin, who is missing since Wednesday afternoon, official sources today said.

Fifty-two-year-old Chin, arrived here on March 22 and stayed in a houseboat in the famed Dal Lake. However, she left to visit nearby Mughal Gardens in the afternoon and did not return.

The houseboat owner later informed the tourist police and a massive hunt was launched to trace her.

After failing to trace Chin, a missing case was registered at the Nehru Park police station.

All the belongings of Chin, including her passport issued by Republican of China on September 9, 2003, have now been kept at the police station. She had one-month visa for staying in Kashmir, the sources said.

Official sources said police parties rushed to different parts of the valley but remained clueless about the missing tourist.

A number of people were questioned without making any breakthrough, they said.

Police have searched almost all tourists places including Gulmarg and Pahalgam, a major attraction for tourists, the sources said.

All huts and hotels at Gulmarg and Pahalgam were searched but the whereabouts of the tourists were still not known.

We have searched all the forest area of Zabarwan, Dachigam and other nearby hills, a police officer said.

He said the interior of the Dal Lake was also thoroughly searched wihtout making any breakthrough.

The Embassy concerned in New Delhi has been informed about Chin.

More than 2000 foreign tourists have visited the valley during this winter.

UNI BAS AK BD1826