Srinagar, Jul 10 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the government is promoting diverse tourism experiences across the Union Territory, with an aim to establish the Kashmir Marathon and Jammu Half Marathon as flagship sporting events that enhance the region’s image as a safe and attractive destination.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar as per Kashmir News Service-KNS, Abdullah said different destinations in Jammu and Kashmir should be known for their unique attractions rather than relying on a single tourism product.
“Marathon is an event in itself. We are trying to ensure that different kinds of tourism get a boost in Jammu and Kashmir. Holding a marathon does not mean destination weddings will automatically come here, or conferences will start because weddings are taking place. These are all different segments,” he said.
The chief minister said Gulmarg should continue to be identified with skiing and the gondola, Pahalgam with white-water rafting and angling, while Srinagar should emerge as a major destination for marathon events.
Referring to the popularity of the Ladakh Marathon, Abdullah said the government wants the Kashmir Marathon and Jammu Half Marathon to attract participants from across the country and abroad.
“The positive message from these marathons is that Kashmir is comfortable, safe and welcoming. Those who come here, especially international participants, will return as brand ambassadors for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
On religious tourism, Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense potential with shrines, temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches and Buddhist sites spread across the region.
He said the ongoing Amarnath Yatra has witnessed an overwhelming response from pilgrims, adding that authorities are implementing the Supreme Court-mandated ceiling on the number of yatris allowed on the track and inside the holy cave.
The chief minister also cited a significant rise in attendance at this year’s Kheer Bhawani mela, saying the number of devotees had increased sharply compared to last year.
He said the government was extending all possible support to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, while clarifying that it does not interfere in the management of the annual pilgrimage.
“Our role is to provide full administrative support. Every department contributes to the smooth conduct of the yatra,” he said.
On the reopening of tourist destinations that remain shut for security reasons, Abdullah expressed hope that places such as Aharbal, Sinthan Top and some areas of Doodhpathri and Gulmarg would be reopened after the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra once security forces deployed for the pilgrimage are withdrawn.
Responding to a question on climate change following the early melting of the naturally formed ice Shivlingam at the Amarnath cave shrine, Abdullah described climate change as a global reality.
“We are suffering because of climate change. If it was a problem confined to Srinagar or Kashmir, we would have solved it. But it is a global issue. First, people must acknowledge that climate change is real,” he said.
He said visible changes in snowfall patterns and the shrinking duration of the Amarnath ice formation reflected the impact of global warming.
Asked about the National Conference’s outreach to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the latter’s remarks that the party should also seek restoration of Articles 370 and 35A besides statehood, Abdullah declined to comment.
“This is not the appropriate forum to answer political questions. We have a major programme tomorrow and those issues can be discussed there,” he said.(KNS)
