Srinagar, Jun 03: Former cabinet minister and Apni Party’s Senior Vice President, Ghulam Hassan Mir on Tuesday appealed to Prime Minister Modi to visit Kashmir to handholding of tourism stakeholders and encourage the revival of tourism, which was badly hit by the horrific terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, and subsequent events.
He said the tourism sector is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and that its revival requires proactive measures by both the Centre and the Union Territory government.
Mir made these remarks during the ‘Gulmarg Chalo’ event, which was organised to promote the revival of tourism at this iconic resort, the Apni Party said in a statement issued here.
Speaking on the occasion, Mir said, “Kashmiris have always been striving for peace because our economy depends on lasting peace and stability. The tourism sector is a key component of our overall economy, and it can thrive only when there is sustained peace and stability.”
Terming the Pahalgam attack as an assault on humanity and Kashmir’s soul, he said, “The attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam has left a scar on our soul. This heinous act of terror has damaged the tourism sector to its core. However, we must defeat the terrorists and their handlers by actively promoting the revival of tourism here. I request Prime Minister Modi to visit Kashmir to encourage the people and stakeholders in their efforts to revive the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir.”
The Apni Party leader praised Jammu and Kashmir’s secular fabric, saying, “The people here deeply believe in equality and humanity. However, unfortunately, terrorists are intent on distorting this spirit of the people in J&K.”
