Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, May 11: Senior BJP leader and MLC, Vibodh Gupta today visited many remote villages of Budhal in Rajouri and took stock of the various developmental activities there. He also listened to the grievances of the locals and assured them of their early resolution.
Addressing a public meeting at Dhandote in Budhal, Vibodh said that while present Governments at the State and at the Centre are trying their level best to make J&K a model State of the country, violence in some parts of the Kashmir is seriously impacting developmental works there. While referring to the recent incidence of stone pelting on tourists in Kashmir, he said that such incidents will crumble the economy of the State, as its economy is totally dependent on tourism.
Expressing his solidarity with the family members of the tourist from Chennai who was recently killed during a stone pelting incidence in Kashmir, Vibodh said that in this hour of grief every peace-loving citizen of the State is standing behind them. He further added that stone pelters from Kashmir are actually snatching the bread and butter of the poor and innocent Kashmiris.
Presently when the tourism industry of Kashmir was being revived and people were gearing up to welcome the tourists in the coming tourism season, such incidences are bringing a bad name to the Valley. Moreover, it will affect the tourism industry of the State in general and Kashmir in particular, he added.
While referring to the mesmerizing and beautiful natural landscape of Budhal, Vibodh said that this area has tremendous tourism potential and presently Government is developing many tourist spots here also. One of the key tourism projects for this area is the development of the seven lake circuit. This he said will also create tremendous employment opportunities for the local youth of the area. On this occasion, Vibodh also called for the construction of an alternate road connecting Budhal with Srinagar. The MLC stressed on the fact that if there will be peace only then the State can prosper and for this everyone must contribute towards peace process in whatever way they can.