Srinagar, May 18: Minister of Rural Development and senior leader of ruling National Conference Ali Muhammad Sagar on Friday exuded hope that the number of tourist arrivals would cross 50 lakh mark in Kashmir this season.
 “The initiatives taken by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to encourage tourists can be seen on the ground with large number of tourists arriving in Kashmir,” Sagar said during a party meeting here.
 “This season we hope that tourist arrivals will cross the 50 lakh mark. This is an encouraging development and will go a long way in boosting the economy. The hotels in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam are almost full with tourists. Let us hope and pray that we break all previous records,” Sagar said.
 Sagar maintained that the Kashmir can be resolved by only political means.  “The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in all the forums has always maintained that resolution of Kashmir issue can be only possible by a political solution. Our party is committed that the resolution of Kashmir issue can only be achieved by the restoration of autonomy which has been even recommended by Justice Sageer committee. NC and its autonomy is in the hearts of the people,” he said.
 Reiterating the party’s stand on AFSPA, Sagar said the CM is committed to revoke it.
 “State government is continuously discussing the revocation of AFSPA from selective. We are hoping that people of the State will see a positive outcome over AFSPA in near future,” he said.
 Launching a scathing attack on opposition PDP, Sagar claimed that party is losing its ground in south Kashmir. “And its leaders are making baseless allegations against NC in ignoring Srinagar city. Srinagar is and will remain a bastion of NC. The people of Srinagar are aware about the contribution of NC in developing the Srinagar city,” he said.
 Meanwhile, during the meeting number of Sarpanchs and Panchs of Ganderbal and Fakeer Gojri Dhara joined NC in presence of provincial president Ali Muhammad Dar. NC spokesman Tanvir Sadiq and former Mayor Salman Ali Sagar were also present on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 IST