Date:21/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/21/stories/2003012102900900.htm

National

Investment in Kashmir is investment in peace: Mufti

MUMBAI JAN. 20. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today appealed to the industry captains to help restore peace in the State by investing in 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," the Mufti said at an interactive meeting organised by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) here.

"My government is not fighting the militants but also those who have vested interests in supporting the militancy.

We want to address the alienation of Kashmiris by way of development... Let's forget the past," he said.

The Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir had the potential to generate 20,000 MW hydroelectric power, but lacked the infrastructure to exploit the same.

"Despite having so much of potential... Hamare paas aaj bijli nahin hain (We do not have electricity). So, instead of wheeling electricity from neighbouring State Governments we have decided to seek investments and private participation in setting up mini hydel power plants across the State," he said.

With democratic forces active in the State, the most challenging task was to restore the glory of Jammu and Kashmir's tourism industry.

"Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Dal Lake and the house boats are all waiting for their tourists. The State Government is planning to set up a skiing centre in Gulmarg as well," he said.

PTI