Thanked locals and security of UT for maintaining peaceful atmosphere for the return of tourism in valley
Ganderbal, April, 12; Social activist and District Secretary Apni Party Ganderbal Mohammad Amin Shah welcomed the recent efforts of UT administration to make the Amarnath pilgrimage historic this year with expecting influx of 6 to 8 lakh pilgrims this year. He welcomed the recent decision of Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Apurva Chand to prepare a short documentary on Amarnath Yatra to circulate that nationally and internationally to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Shah said Amarnath Yatra is the best employment opportunity for the locals for Jammu and Kashmir. At various locations, shopkeepers and traders set up kiosks selling walking sticks, puja items, Kashmiri shawls and handicrafts. People also offer their services like pony’s and also manually transporting devotees on their palanquins. Those involved in business and services during the yatra come from almost every part of the Jammu and Kashmir. He said that traditionally Kashmiri’s have always been supportive of the yatra and we have witnessed how locals are rushing to help tourists stranded due to accidents or in other situations.
Shah said that role of locals in maintaining the peaceful atmosphere during yatra has been always commendable and peaceful yatra brings forth multiple benefits and promotes tourism, provides a major source of revenue for the locals and in turn for the state, provides employment opportunities for many locals as also spreads a message on the true character of the general Kashmiri. He said that media show avoid projecting negative image of Kashmir. Tourists have always found different kashmiri and they leave with good memories after enjoying local hospitality. Their feedbacks have always contradicted with media reports. He said that media has main role to build the image of Kashmir outside.
