Centre assures liberal aid to J

Srinagar, June 15 (UNI) The Centre has assured Jammu and Kashmir of liberal assistance for development and revival of militancy-affected tourism sector in the state.

Speaking at the concluding function of 'Singhey-Khababs' Ladakh festival at Leh, Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni lauded the rich heritage and secular temperament of the people of the state.

Being the economically important sector with huge employment potential, she said tourism deserved the highest priority.

Ms Soni said the Centre would provide all the necessary financial assistance to the Jammu and Kashmir government to develop tourism sector in the strife-torn state.

Speaking on the occasion, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said Ladakh has always received attention it deserved both from the central and the state governments.

''Ladakh is known for peace and tranquility and the message of love and brotherhood from this part must travel across the country,'' he added.

Mr Azad said the state's rich cultural diversity, amity and secular traditions were unique and admired globally. ''We have to maintain and nurture this character,'' he added.

The Chief Minister said road communication in most parts of Ladakh was better and efforts were on to further improve the connectivity for faster economic growth.

''Tourism in Ladakh is also being revamped by upgrading infrastructure along with other parts of the state,'' he added.

Mr Azad said peace was a pre-requisite for development and growth. ''As such, all of us have to contribute and give fillip to the development process,'' he added.

Mr Azad praised Ms Soni for her magnanimity in providing liberal financial assistance to the state for development of tourism.

Later, both Mr Azad and Ms Soni laid foundation stone of the Rs 6 crore project for an old age home and a community hall.

UNI