J&K is as peaceful as any other state of country: Sayeed

Gulmarg (J-K), April 6: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Sunday said the state was as peaceful as any other state of the country and the government would channelise the collective energies of all regions for building on peace dividends.

"Jammu and Kashmir is as peaceful state as others in the country. The atmosphere here is totally peaceful. The law and order here is better than in many states of the country," Sayeed said here.

The chief minister was addressing a Tourism Enclave at the famous ski-resort in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. Sayeed said the state was at the cusp of change and efforts would be made for building peace through development.

"Jammu and Kashmir is at the cusp of change and this new government will channelise the collective energies of the three regions – Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh - for building on peace dividends through a concerted development effort, particularly in the tourism sector," he said.

The chief minister said peaceful atmosphere in the state was a pre-requisite for tourism.

Sayeed: Jammu and Kashmir is at the cusp of change

"Tourism is our priority and a peaceful atmosphere is a pre-requisite for it. There will be a face change here in many ways. The first things that the tourists see after coming out of the airport are the stringent security measures.

He gets the impression that there are guns and lathis everywhere. I will see to it that the atmosphere gets changed. Tourists will not be welcomed by lathis and guns," he said.

Describing Jammu and Kashmir tourism as a perfect vehicle that only needs a good driver, he said his government would put the state firmly on the pedestal of global benchmarks.

"The prime objective is to improve the economy of the state and provide gainful employment to people, who are the principle stakeholders," he said.

PTI