Underling that the situation was now peaceful in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday invited business houses and tourists from across the globe to invest in the state.
"Jammu and Kashmir is open for business and travel as there is complete peace in the state," the Chief Minister said while declaring open the 2nd annual Gulmarg Global Derby in which nine countries, including the US and Russia, are participating.
He said for the past 20 years, there was bloodshed in the state because of militancy and the government could not pay attention to tourism, sports and other activities as a result the economy suffered."Now our efforts would be to upgrade the infrastructure and promote winter tourism, sports and other activities so that the investors and travellers from different parts of the world come here to help our economy grow," he said.
The Chief Minister also took a snow scooter ride, leaving behind his security cordon much to the amusement of the large crowd.
"This is a clear and sound message to the world that there is no problem in Jammu and Kashmir now. When I as a Chief Minister can climb up to a mountain and ski on the slopes of Gulmarg without security, every one can come here and enjoy skiing," Abdullah said.
{{/usCountry}}"This is a clear and sound message to the world that there is no problem in Jammu and Kashmir now. When I as a Chief Minister can climb up to a mountain and ski on the slopes of Gulmarg without security, every one can come here and enjoy skiing," Abdullah said.
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