Mumbai: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Syed on January 20 made an
emotional appeal to the industry captains by requesting them to save the terror
struck state and "invest in peace" for its reconstruction and development.
"Kashmir is core to Indian nationalism. Save Kashmir...Investment in Kashmir is
investment in peace, come and help towards development, reconstruction and prosperity
of our state," Syed said at an inter-active meeting organised by the Confederation of
Indian Industries (CII) in Mumbai.
He said it was time to forget the past and usher J&K into a new era of peace and
economic development.
"My government is not fighting the militants but also against those who have vested
interests in supporting the militancy. We want to address the alienation of Kashmiris
by
way of development.. lets forget the past," he said.
Syed said the Himalayan state had a potential of generating 20,000 MW hydroelectric
power, but lacks the infrastructure to exploit the same.
"Despite having so much of potential...hamare paas aaj bijli nahin hain! (we do not
having electricity). So instead of wheeling electricity from neighbouring states
government has decided to seek investments and private participation in setting up
mini hydel power plants across the state," he said.
The CM said with democratic forces active in the state, the most challenging task was
to restore the glory of J&K's tourism industry.
"Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Dal Lake and the house boats are all waiting for their tourists.
Government also plans to set up a skiing centre in Gulmarg as well," he said.
PTI
