chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti Sunday welcomed the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, who is currently on a visit to Leh in connection with an annual Buddhist function.
Addressing a large gathering here, CM highlighted the pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir and described it as the abode of different faiths and cultures.
She said people living in amity and brotherhood is the specialty of the state and underlined the need for strengthening the bonds among various sections of the society.
Mehbooba praised Dalai Lama for his recent statement in which he had criticized the elements, who were out to label Muslims as terrorists.
The Dalai Lama had asked people to follow the path of harmony and amity with each other.
She said the statement from such a towering personality was need of the hour and it reflects the unparallel spiritual stature of the Dalai Lama.
The CM wished Dalai Lama a long life and good health and hoped that he would continue to visit the State in future and bless its people.
She said it was the intention of her government to attract more and more tourists to Ladakh and market it appropriately in the tourism market.
Mehbooba said she has proposed to have annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Leh, which would increase the tourist footfall in the region by a great measure.
She appreciated the people of Leh for maintaining a hygienic environment despite heavy tourist rush.
Dalai Lama in his address expressed gratitude to CM for her visit. He appreciated her massive public outreach saying that he is of the belief that she can get the State out of the difficulties with her sincerity, dedication and zeal.