In unison, Kashmiris slam Minister in Delhi

Srinagar: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Sharma was ridiculed in unison by Kashmir’s tour operators for making objectionable remarks about Kashmir and its tourism sector.

According to eyewitnesses, as Sharma was trying to corner the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and making derogatory remarks about Kashmir- saying ‘terrorists walk like tourists in Kashmir’, the travel and tour operators hailing from Jammu and Kashmir stood from their seats and cautioned Sharma to retract from his statement. “Tour operators from JK all in unison castigated Delhi tourism minister and raised objections to his instigative speech,” eyewitnesses told KNS over phone from New Delhi.
It was informed further that Shrama had to leave the stage half way after facing such a public wrath. “Not only JK tour operators objected to Sharma’s remarks. There were people from Delhi also who asked Sharma to shut up,” says a tour operator.
He added that the Delhi tourism minister got offended by the speech of the Union Toursim Minister Mahesh Sharma who termed JK as number one tourist destination in entire India. “It was a kind of insecurity that Delhi tourism minister got after JK as a prime tourist destination was praised by one and all in the function. All he tried was to divert attention,” says the travel operator who attended the function of the Bharat International Travel Bazaar (BITB).
The chief minister Mehbooba Mufti who was the chief guest of the function said in her speech: “Any place in the world, including Delhi, women are safest in my Kashmir. They move around in shikaras and houseboats. That’s the biggest thing my state can offer. As compared to any place in the world, including Delhi, women and girls are safest; there is no fear of getting raped in a car.”
Around 400 tour operators hailing from various countries and states were present in the function. There were also 50 tour operators from JK present on the occasion. (KNS)