Attacks on visitors not to impact JK tourism industry: Baig

Srinagar, Jun 1 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government today asked the state police to probe the recent attacks on the visitors and asserted that such incidents will not have a major impact on the tourist activities in the Valley.

Chairing a meeting of representatives of travel and tourism industry here, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig asked Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range S M Sahai to proceed on the investigations of such attacks with all seriousness.

He expressed the hope that the sporadic incidents of violence would not have a major impact on tourist activities in Kashmir.

Mr Baig, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, condemned attacks on tourist buses yesterday, saying such incidents were a blot on the traditions and hospitality of the people of Kashmir.

However, the Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the vehement response in which every section of the Kashmiri society condemned the incidents in unmistakable terms.

The manner in which the local community, as a whole, treated the wounded tourists has brought to fore the sense of humanity and hospitality for which Kashmir is known for, he added.

Mr Baig asked the tour operators to face the situation with determination and convince the prospective visitors about the improved ground situation in Kashmir.

He was told by representatives of travel agencies that there have not been many cancellations and those received were routine.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the state government had been putting in efforts to achieve the target of maximum tourist arrivals in Kashmir.

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad spoke to his several counterparts and expressed dismay over the incidents on behalf of the people of the state, he added.

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