INDIA: More Cross-LoC Points To Boost Tourism

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said confidence building measures like opening more cross-LoC points will not only help consolidate peace efforts but also boost local economy through increased tourism activities.

Yesterday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh in a meeting with her had assured that more cross-LoC points would be opened for movement of people and goods.

"Given the distinctive geographical location of Jammu and Kashmir, we have immense potential for developing border tourism in the state to attract high-spending tourists for an enriching experience," Mehbooba, who was also accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, said while inaugurating 'Baitul Zaireen' at the shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (RA) at Shahadra Sharief here.

Mehbooba, however, stressed the need for making the tourism activities environment and eco-friendly.

She said the state has to fully tap pilgrim tourism potential given the large number of revered religious places in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We have so many shrines of great Muslim saints, famous temples and historic Gompas which can attract large number of pilgrims," she said.

"I have asked the Tourism Department to help the locals build requisite infrastructure in their respective areas in tune with the local culture so that they draw the maximum benefit from the tourism activities," she said.

Stressing the need for beautification of the area around Shahadra Sharief shrine, she called for creating additional facilities and announced that a health centre will be setup near the shrine for the pilgrims and the locals.