Tourist influx to Kashmir bolsters: J&K LG Manoj Sinha

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha played down the sense of fear among people from other states staying in Jammu and Kashmir following a series of targeted killings of migrant workers.

Responding to a question at an event held by national news network India Today, on the prevailing security situation after the killings of migrant workers, Manoj Sinha said: “I am assuring the nation that you come here. You are welcome here. Your security is our responsibility.”

Compared to the past eight years, the tourist influx has increased, the LG said.

“In July, 10.50 lakh tourists came to Jammu and Kashmir. The number increased to 11.28 lakh in August. It crossed 12 lakh in September and in November 13.46 lakh tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. Number of flights arriving in Srinagar has increased. Hotel bookings have increased,” he said.

On the issue of whether Kashmir is at gun-point, the LG said: “Has there been any increase in deployment of the army? The Army’s deployment has not increased. If a killing takes place [in Jammu and Kashmir], it is said the government is unable to provide security.

“If we say that we will secure the places which did not have the dominance of forces and which supplied oxygen and fertilisers to terrorism, are we committing a crime by demanding five companies of forces?

“I give assurance that neither the forces nor the CAPF or the Jammu and Kashmir Police would be used against an innocent person. If something happens, law will be used against those people [in the forces] as well. I am saying it in public.”

Commenting on the Hyderpora encounter, the LG said: “Probe into the incident has been ordered. If an innocent person has been killed, I assure that the guilty won’t be spared.”

Four persons were killed in an encounter in Hyderpora area of Srinagar on November 15.

The police allegedly buried the bodies after which protests were held by several groups, including the political parties.

On the issue of corruption, Sinha said: “Where there are humans, there would be corruption. Use of technology will bring transparency. We are moving towards that system.” (India Blooms)