Srinagar, August 19: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday appealed to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to withdraw the travel advisory discouraging visits to Kashmir. She said the advisory was affecting people whose livelihoods depend heavily on tourism.
Gor is currently on his first visit to the Union Territory since taking charge as ambassador. During his visit, he is expected to meet Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Mehbooba said the advisory goes beyond a routine caution for thousands of families associated with the tourism sector, arguing that it creates a barrier between Kashmir and international visitors.
The PDP president maintained that removing the advisory could help rebuild confidence among foreign tourists and contribute to the revival of international tourist arrivals in the Valley.
She added that lifting the restrictions would offer much-needed support to families whose incomes are linked to tourism.
