Kashmir safe, time to support its economy: Civil Aviation Minister

SRINAGAR — Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Thursday appealed to people across the country to visit Kashmir again, saying it is time to support the valley’s economy.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Naidu, as per the news agency KNO, said that the way people from across the country stood united after the Pahalgam attack, it is time to stand with Kashmir’s economy.

“We are here to revive Kashmir tourism. Flight operations have resumed. The people should visit here again. It is a safe place to visit,” he said.

The minister reviewed facilities at the Srinagar airport. “Flight operations at Srinagar airport have resumed. I met locals here who voiced that tourism should be revived. The government will take all necessary steps in this regard,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, the Civil Aviation Minister said the purpose of his visit was to appreciate the Airport staff and CISF, which have coordinated very well with the armed forces in protecting the airport and also lifting the morale of the AAI and civil aviation.

“We were very worried when there were reports that a lot of drone activities were going on around Jammu airport. We were concerned about the infrastructure and the airport, but the way the people, right from the Director and others in the airport and CISF, have shown courage and handled the situation, I felt that I had to come and appreciate their efforts,” he said.

The second purpose, Naidu said, was that they wanted to start the civil operations as they were going on before the attack. So we wanted to bring the normalcy in the aviation connectivity that we have done in both Srinagar and Jammu as well, he added.

The minister said the government is building a new terminal with 5000 square feet in Jammu, which is going to handle much more capacity than the existing building.

“This is slated to be completed by June next year,” he said. “I want this construction to happen very smoothly and on time. I have utilised the opportunity to review this construction as well.”

The Union Minister hailed the efforts of the armed forces, saying the whole nation is proud of them. “If anyone dares to attack India in the form of terrorism, they are going to face its heat,” he said.