Govt not to tolerate militants attacks on tourists: Baig

Srinagar, June 23 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig today criticised recent militant attacks on tourists and pilgrims, saying their ''nefarious designs to create anti-Kashmiri and anti-Muslim sentiments'' would be effectively dealt with.

Talking to visiting mediapersons attending the two-day Editors Conference on Social Infrastructure here, Mr Baig said the arrival of lakhs of tourists and Amarnath and Vaishno Devi pilgrims has frustrated militants.

These attacks were aimed at isolating the Kashmiri people to promote their agenda. ''However, the government would not allow this to happen,'' Mr Baig said.

He said the efforts for a lasting peace in the Valley, including the Round Table Conference and other confidence building measures has caused growing frustration among the militant ranks.

He said though Pakistan has given a commitment to check cross border terrorism and dismantle terrorist training camps on its soil, little has been done on the ground.

The resolution of all outstanding issues between the two countries would lead to growth and prosperity in both the countries.

He lauded the various Confidence Building Measures taken by the government specially the opening the bus routes between Jammu and Kashmir and the PoK.

''The opening of border and other CBMs would strengthen SAARC and enhance their development as an economic block,'' he observed.

Advocating the decentralisation of power to Jammu and Ladakh region, Mr Baig said the army has been deployed in the Valley to effectively deal with militancy.

UNI AJ YA KN2014