Gulmarg, Sept. 18 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday criticised the government for projecting normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir while keeping several tourist destinations out of bounds, saying such contradictions weaken efforts to promote tourism.

"It is strange that we go out and talk about bringing tourists here, but on the ground many destinations remain closed. Drang, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Tosa Maidan is closed, and beyond Pahalgam, Aru and Betab Valley are also shut," Omar said while speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Gulmarg Convention Centre.

He said either the government should stop promoting tourism or ensure people dependent on these destinations are compensated. "On one side, we promote touris...