Need to win back confidence of countries on J-K travel: Omar

"There is a need to counter the false propaganda about the state so that more nations follow Germany, Japan and UK to lift or modify their travel advisories," Omar told reporters minutes before flagging off the first ever international cycling event here.

Omar said his government wants to present Kashmir in a "new form."

"Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its beauty but we want to present it in a new form to the world. We offer opportunities for international events like this as the state is blessed with beautiful terrains," he said.

The Chief Minister said he was at first skeptical about hosting such an event in the state when the organisers approached the government.

"Honestly, I was extremely skeptically. I was not sure about the seriousness behind the proposal and how the event would shape up but we mush appreciate the tenacity with which the organisers worked to make this event a success," he said.

Omar said the event has brought a new sport to the state and expressed hope the youth of the state will take it forward as a means of staying fit and to compete.

"Such an event would not have been thought of some time back but with the situation improving we hope to see many more such events taking place here," he said. (MORE)