JAMMU: Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is one of the safest tourist destinations in the country, Minister for Public Works Naeem Akhtar urged the visitors to not to pay heed to false reportage and invited them to experience the hospitability and warmth from people of Kashmir.

“Kashmiris hold tourists in high regard and tourists who have visited the Valley have experienced warmth from all quarters, especially locals. We are proud to have been rated as the most sought-after tourist destination in the country as per a recent survey, and Jammu Kashmir was, is and will continue to be a safe place for tourists from all regions, national and international alike,” he said.

He stated that there have been zero crimes reported against tourists in the state so far and the safety of tourists is always a top priority.

The Minister, while making a mention of successful conduct of recently held TAAI convention in Kashmir, asked the other tourist bodies to take a note of this and direct tourist traffic towards Jammu and Kashmir which is blessed with abundant natural scenic splendor and serenity.

Naeem Akhtar also refuted the claims made by a national daily about stone pelting incident on tourists and said that these reports are baseless and no such incident has taken place anywhere in the state.

“It seems that the mischief is deliberate to derail the tourism season in the state which has just started picking up. We strongly deny this and the state government will be taking this up with the appropriate authorities and the Press Council of India”, he said.

Naeem Akhtar urged all prominent people at responsible positions to desist from spreading and propagating fake news which is detrimental to the image and interest of Jammu and Kashmir.

He also appealed to the media fraternity across the world to help Jammu and Kashmir bring back peace into the lives of the people and revive its economy which is majorly dependent on tourism.

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