Yasin Malik assures safety, invites tourists to visit Kashmir

Separatist leader Yasin Malik on Wednesday invited the tourists and pilgrims to visit Kashmir, adding that the people of the valley have been 'safeguarding and providing exemplary hospitality' to them.

Malik said the people of Kashmir have always respected, safeguarded and served their guests even during tough times.

"In 2014 there was a flood, every Kashmiri suffered because of the flood..This year this is the fifth month as far as the unrest is going on. The pilgrims were here, tourist were here. So, do you have any one single complain from them that they are facing any kind of fear factor in Kashmir? So, we reiterated that though the people of Kashmir are facing the worst kind of suppression through the end of the forces. As far as the tourist and the pilgrims are concerned, they are always welcomed here," he told ANI.

"The tourists and pilgrims should not feel any kind of fear here. The people of Kashmir are famous for their hospitality," he said while extending the whole-hearted welcome to the tourists and yatris intending to visit Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said tourism is ideal for economic revival of Kashmir, adding it is in the interest of everybody.

"Promotion of tourism is absolutely necessary to revive the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. It is very important part of their social life. So, it is in the interest of everybody. We want to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir because Kashmir has been very important for the tourism sector," he said.

The separatist leaders have in a surprise move invited tourists and pilgrims to visit the Valley to enjoy the traditional hospitality of its people while promising them safety.

Leaders of the two factions of Hurriyat Conference issued a joint statement asking people from outside to visit the Valley reminding them of the "exemplary hospitality" extended by the Kashmiris.

The Kashmir Valley is witnessing continued turmoil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with the security forces on July 8.