Amid protests, govt sets up helpline for tourists

Srinagar: Authorities on Sunday set exclusive helpline services for tourists from different parts of the country as they holidayed in Kashmir, in view of the situation set off by the killing of militant commander Sabzar Ahmed Bhat.

“In view of the current situation, we’ve started helpline services for the convenience of tourists who are on visit of the Valley,” said director of the tourism department (Kashmir) Mehmood Ahmed Shah. He said that the department had also deployed its officers and tourist police at prime tourist destinations to ensure smooth movement of tourists and their comfortable stay.

He said the situation in Kashmir, especially in Srinagar, “is normal and tourists can move easily to tourist destinations”. However, the tourists who are already in Kashmir can contact the tourism officials in Srinagar City, Srinagar Airport, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Kokernag, Qazigund, Manasbal, Sonamarg and other places on the phone numbers of the designated officers and offices which were publicised on Sunday through the media including TV channels, radio and news portals. Notices were also placed at tourist-frequented places.