Will push state as healthcare and education hub, says Mufti

In an apparent reference to the beef controversy, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today said attempts were made to vitiate the atmosphere in the state and “erect walls of hate” between Kashmir and Jammu regions which the people of the state had thwarted.

“Mufti Sayeed also reiterated his plans to promote border tourism, particularly in Suchetgarh and Chaka da Bagh, on the pattern of Wagah Border, which attracts a large number of visitors on the weekends”, it said. “We should empower Sarpanch”, Sayeed said.

He said Lakhanpur town in Kathua district was the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir and it has a huge tourism potential. “J&K is a flawless destination for golfing”. However, the magnanimous Chief Minister ignored my lapse’, said an elated Chief Minister, who seemed visibly happy over the fact that SKIMS had grown into a premier institute with medical professionals comparable to the best in the country.

The chief minister emphasised on expediting the work on commissioning of Bahu Fort Ropeway, beautification of Tawi Riverfront, and restoration of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex.

The Chief Minister also asked Director Tourism Jammu to fast-track measures for development of Mantalai as an global Yoga Centre.

Hinting at the first foundation stone laid by Abdullah, Singh said that though “some activity in the direction had taken place in the past”, the PDP-BJP government invited tenders for the project within a week of assuming office.

“Still we have done a commendable job by making the administration responsive to the needs of the people”, he said and promised to deliver justice to the all the people and regions of the State.

The Chief Minister said in 1986 Arun Nehru suffered a cardiac arrest in Srinagar and was shifted to SKIMS, where our able doctors provided him the best treatment.