Srinagar, Feb. 17 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the reopening of 11 tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it would provide relief to communities affected by months of closure.

Omar said he had requested the Home Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to open the closed areas, noting that places like Yousmarg and Doodhpathri had not been kept shut even in the worst of circumstances. "The Home Minister has now issued the order. People living in these areas have suffered financial losses, and now our tourism season is starting. I hope visitors will go and take advantage of the beauty of these places," he said.

The Chief Minister also criticised the BJP over what he called a gap between its words and actions. Referr...