Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the BJP leadersto get in touch with prominent people in Kashmir valley in order to bring normalcy in the region. It is to be noted that the situation in Kashmir hasbeen tense since August 5 after the Centre decided to abrogate Article 370,which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to ANI, a source privy to Shah's direction said thatthe BJP president has asked the party leaders to touch base with clerics,traders, hoteliers and people in the tourism industry. Shah issued the direction after a high-level meeting with Kashmir BJP leaders in New Delhi on Monday. Sources added that the Centre is also planning to launch several development programmes in the region which has been affected by Pakistan-backed terrorism.

"The outreach programme aims to open the educational institutions and bring government employees back to offices and tourism sectorback in operations," said a source. The BJP is hopeful that the launch ofdevelopment initiatives and meeting with prominent people will help bringnormalcy in the region at a faster pace. "Ensure maximum participation iswhat has been communicated," the source revealed. It is to be noted thatthe Centre is also planning to hold an investors summit in Kashmir in Novemberor December later this year. "Dates are likely to be finalised soon,"divulged the source.

In a related development, Jammu and Kashmir, Governor SatyaPal Malik on Monday said that tourists will be allowed to visit the region fromThursday (September 10). Governor Malik recalled a security advisory issuedover two months ago asking tourists to leave the Valley. The advisory wasissued by Governor Malik after holding a security review meeting with advisorsand the chief secretary.