Congress lampoons, CPI lauds separatists claim of promoting tourism in Kashmir Valley

New Delhi [India], Dec. 7(ANI): Reacting to joint statement issued by separatist outfits in which they have claimed to be promoting tourism in the Kashmir Valley, several political leaders gave a mixed response to it. Congress leader Renuka Chowdhary told ANI, "How dare they make suggestions like this when they are the ones responsible for the unrest? With the tourism season failing as they themselves have admitted. How many citizens have lost their livelihood.they depend on this season." The Hurriyat, she said, should learn to be accountable as they will have to answer the people of Kashmir. "We have promoted Kashmir all over the world as a tourism minister and this is what the Hurriyat has done to this beautiful state of ours, and now, they care about the welfare of the citizens," Chowdhary added. Another Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Since the beginning we are telling, that the tourists are not visiting Jammu and Kashmir because of government's laxity. They are not taking an interest, and also, the central government is not taking proper steps to normalise the situation and Hurriyat is a part of it also. They both are responsible. Now, when people are realising and people are revolting, they are telling this thing." Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja said, "In fact, it is a positive move on the part of the Hurriyat. It can pave the way for bringing the state back to normalcy. The suggestion was made to both central government and state government to hold a dialogue with all stakeholders, without any preconditions." "I don't know how the central government is going to take it. How the state government is going to address their proposal. Now it is coming from the Hurriyat themselves and government can be positive towards that proposal and make it as an opportunity to start a political process to hold dialogue with all stakeholders in the state of Jammu and Kashmir." he added. In their joint statement, which was jointly issued by hardline separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Muhammad Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik, said, "We have been taught hospitality, humanity and safeguarding the rights of guests. Tourists and pilgrims who intend to visit Kashmir are most welcome. The people of Kashmir have been taught to be kind with our guests and serve them and safeguard their rights at every cost." 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. (ANI)