SRINAGAR, June 14: Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today asked the traders in the Kashmir valley not to sell fake handicrafts to the tourists, which harms the economy and image of the State.
“The tourists should get genuine products of Kashmir only. Selling fake handicrafts sends a negative message outside the State,” Abdullah said in a statement issued by his party National Conference here.
The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy also directed the local administration to ensure that the tourists are not cheated by handicrafts dealers.
He also expressed satisfaction over the number of tourists visiting Kashmir this year.
“Initially, the pace of tourist arrivals was slack but it has picked up now. The tourism season is at its peak now,” he added.
Abdullah said tourism was the back bone of the State’s economy and every stakeholder should play his role in promoting it.
He lauded the efforts of the State Government in getting some countries to lift or modify their negative travel advisories for Kashmir.
The minister expressed hope that these developments would lead to more foreign tourists visiting Kashmir again. (PTI)
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