Srinagar, July 8 -- Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that the Valley is witnessing an unprecedented surge in tourism and development, crediting the peace and infrastructure efforts made in recent years.

Addressing a gathering at SKICC Srinagar, Sinha said that Kashmir's beauty and spiritual richness have long attracted people from all walks of life. "If there is any heaven on this earth, it is here, as a famous poet once said," he remarked. "From Shankaracharya to Sheikh-ul-Alam, this valley has been blessed by saints and sufis," he added.

According to KNS, Sinha said that after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, tourism in Kashmir saw a major boost. "Last year alone, over 2.5 crore tourist...