Make militants realise their mistakes: Azad to people

Srinagar, May 26 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today urged the people to make the militants realise their mistakes and force them to shun the path of violence which has brought disrepute to the state.

''The time has come for people to rise to the occasion and convey to the whole world that there is no place for violence in Kashmir.

This will make the militants realise their mistakes so that they abandon the path of violence which has brought bad name to the people of Kashmir,'' he said.

The Chief Minister said it was surprising that whenever tourism started to pick up, militants have launched strikes to paralyse it.

''Today, when tourists come to Kashmir to enjoy its natural beauty, who has given them the right to kill the innocent visitors?'' he asked.

''Their (militants) aim is to cause terror and give wrong impression of Kashmir in other parts of India and the world. The militants should now realise that people do not want them and their sympathisers to continue with the trade of death and blood.'' The Chief Minister said since taking over, he was keen to enhance road and air connectivity so that maximum tourists visit the Valley.

The state government has launched a campaign across the world to attract visitors for revival of tourism in Kashmir, he added.

Mr Azad said free trade routes across borders were proposed to be started within two months which will also help take Jammu and Kashmir's economy to new heights.

He said under the doctrine of ''Khushaal (prosperous) Kashmir'', a new economic chapter was being opened in the state.

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