Azad visits hospital to enquire about wounded WB tourists

Srinagar, Jun 1 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today asserted that a ''few disgruntled elements'' would not be allowed to defame the age-old tradition of the Valley by causing inconvenience to tourists.

During his visit to the SMHS hospital here to enquire about the condition of tourists wounded in yesterday's attacks, Mr Azad said the people of the Valley were known for hospitality.

The Chief Minister met each patient individually and interacted with them. He also visited the intensive care unit (ICU) where a team of doctors and para-medical staff were working round-the-clock to save the life of a critically wounded tourist.

Five wounded tourists were stated to be out of danger and recovering fast. The two wounded women tourists from West Bengal told Mr Azad that the way people of Kashmir have come forward to help and support them was ''worth appreciating.'' They said the timely and swift medical care besides the moral support of the people has helped them to recover fast.

The Chief Minister advised the tourists that even after being discharged from the hospital, they should continue to spend holidays in Kashmir and visit various resorts as per the schedule.

The people of Kashmir were united and unanimous on the issue that no harm should be caused to any tourist, he added.

Mr Azad told the tourists that all Kashmiris were with them in this hour of crisis. The majority of people by condemning the attacks on tourists have given a clear indication that ''few isolated and vanishing anti-social elements'' out to cripple the state's economy would not be tolerated anymore.

UNI AG VD HS2049