Srinagar, June 23: Rajya Sabha MP, Ghulam Ali Khatana on Sunday said that the revival and growth of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir remains a top priority for the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the government’s firm commitment to making the region one of the most prosperous in the country. According to the News Service Associated News Bureau ANB,Speaking to the media after his visit to the scenic Sonmarg valley, Khatana stated that the purpose of his visit was to engage with stakeholders from various segments of the tourism sector and understand their challenges firsthand.
“I am interacting with local residents, hoteliers, ponywalas, taxi operators, tour operators, and others associated with the tourism industry. Their concerns will be taken up with the Central Government for prompt resolution,” Khatana said.
Clarifying that the tourism department is under the jurisdiction of the UT administration, Khatana said the Centre is nonetheless extending all possible support to help revive the sector.
He acknowledged that the recent terror attack in Pahalgam had a temporary negative impact on tourism, but added that the confidence of tourists is gradually returning. “We are seeing a steady rise in tourist arrivals, which is a positive sign,” he noted.
Commenting on Operation Sindoor, Khatana said the Modi Government took strict action against the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack, and the international community was also made aware of the issue through a multi-party delegation.
During his Kashmir visit, Khatana also plans to meet youth and entrepreneurs involved in start-ups, highlighting the government’s focus on innovation and economic empowerment in the region.
He further noted that welfare schemes like the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance—offering coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family—are being fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, even more comprehensively than in many other parts of the country. ANB
