Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday again launched a scathing attack on New Delhi-based news channels for “presenting a scary picture” of the happenings in Kashmir and asked them to stop “wrong portrayal” of the situation.
“What is shown on TV channels about Kashmir is not true. They show a scary picture but that’s not a reality. When tourists watch TV here, they are in a disbelief that is it the same Kashmir they are visiting,” Mehbooba said, addressing a gathering at a national-level symposium “Livestock Resources Management under Changing Climate Scenario” at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology here.
At least 700 delegates from various states including internationally-acclaimed scientists, planners and research scholars are attending the three-day event, officials said.
Mehbooba told the gathering that among all states, J&K is safest for women. “I take pride in saying that women folk are safe in our state than in any other state. Go anywhere during any time alone here and you would feel as safe as you feel at your home,” she said.
The Chief Minister urged the delegates to explore the beauty of Kashmir and send a positive message outside. “Apart from the historical Mughal gardens we have a beautiful Badamwari garden where you should spend time. It would be nice if you all take a shikara ride and realize that what is shown on TV about Kashmir is not right,” she said.
She urged the delegates to act as “brand ambassadors” for Kashmir. “Once you go back you can tell people that situation is Kashmir is peaceful and conducive for them to visit here. You are like envoys for us,” Mehbooba said.
Urging educated youth to venture into sectors such as livestock production, Mehbooba said they should avail financial support and start businesses related to livestock. “We have not been able to come up with latest technologies, scientific intervention so that educated youth, who avail loans, are benefited by venturing into livestock production. Let us make them feel that it is a modern thing. Efforts should be made so that livestock production proves to be lucrative for young people who have high class degrees”.
Earlier speaking at the event, Minister of Animal, Sheep Husbandary and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli said: “A poultry policy is being envisaged by the state government so that youth can venture into poultry business. Till now poultry sector was being run by a Mafia but now we have made a poultry policy which includes small scale industry so that youth can be involved in poultry farming. Livestock research has to be done and results have to be delivered.”
