The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken stock of the situation in Kashmir recently and extended a hand of friendship to the Valley.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who had visited the Valley for a meeting on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), met various traders and civil society activists.
“He also gave his word to ensure security to the students of Kashmir studying on campuses across Delhi,” a member of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) told The Pioneer on phone. He said, “Sisodia took out time to meet various stakeholders in Kashmir, including a few members of the KCCI. We shared our concerns about the security of Kashmiri students studying across Delhi and also requested him to ensure help to those who come to stay in Delhi and face difficulties on various fronts including accommodation."
He said Sisodia welcomed the suggestions and asked the delegation to meet him in Delhi to pave out ways of engagements between the national Capital and the Valley. Sisodia has said he would do everything possible in his capacity to help Kashmiris in Delhi.
"We told him about the tourism industry and how it was suffering. We told him that the way Kashmir is projected outside the State has only done harm to this industry which is the main source of sustenance for many of us," said another member from the tourism sector.
In a video message run by Jammu & Kashmir tourism, Sisodia had promoted and asked the tourists to visit Kashmir. He had said, "Irrespective of everything, the reality is that Kashmir is beautiful and you must visit."
"I am talking to you from the mountains of Gulmarg. I want to tell the people of India that this Valley is calling you. Whatever you watch in the TV news that Kashmir is violent or tense, it is restricted to some corner or place and not every part. Entire Kashmir and its people are very beautiful," he said in the video.