The Hindu : Will restore Kashmir's glory: CM

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 23, 2003

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Will restore Kashmir's glory: CM

By Shujaat Bukhari

GULMARG MARCH 22. Around 70 skiers gathered at the heights of Gulmarg, Kashmir's famous tourist spot today, for the final function of the first-ever All-India Gondola Invitation Ski Cup, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) from March 20.

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who attended the function promised to restore Kashmir's lost glory, despite the various hurdles.

Of the 70 skiers, 20 were from outside the State and many from the Army and the BSF. The heavy snow did not deter the skiers from reaching the Kangdoori heights which witnessed snowfall up to over 15 feet.

The Mufti assured the local people that his Government would ensure that this spot touched new heights in development. "That is why we set up the Gulmarg Development Authority,'' he said praising its newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer, Farooq Ahmed Shah.

Switching over to politics, he said "there are both external and internal elements who do not want the peace process to succeed''. "Funds will not come in the way of development.''

The Tourism Minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir, who represents Gulmarg Assembly segment, assured the people that the extension of the Gondola project would not affect their economy but would give it a boost.

Mr. Shah, who is also the Managing Director of the JKCCC, outlined the expansion plans and said that a grand Gulmarg Festival would be organised in August. A number of skiers were given awards.

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