Srinagar, Apr 8: Union Minister for Railways Lalu Prasad said though the inflation was a matter of concern, but it was not confined to India alone. He said inflation was affecting the economies of countries across the globe.

Interacting with a group of newspersons on the side lines of his day-long visit to Tulip garden, Dal Lake and Dachigam yestrerday, Mr Lalu said the central government had initiated several measures to curb the inflation and bring down the prices of essentials. He said strict punitive action would be taken against those indulging in hoarding of essentials and resorting to profiteering. Referring to Indo-Pak relations, the Union Minister said India wants friendly ties with all its neighbouring countries.

Giving details about development of railways in Jammu and Kashmir, he said work is apace on the prestigious Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramulla railway project and rail would soon ply in the Kashmir valley.

He said major portion of the project from Qazigund to Baramulla has been completed while work is in on full swing on the Udhampur- Qazigund portion.

The railway Minister was accompanied by his wife Rabri Devi and other family members, who visited the Tulip garden and other tourist places in the city.

He said Kashmir is known for its beauty throughout the world and is a jewel in the crown of India.

The minister said tourists and visitors in large number come to visit this beautiful place of the country, adding that newly developed Tulip garden was another important place where tourists can have a break from the mundane affairs of routine life.

He stressed for proper upkeep and maintenance of this garden and expressed the hope that more and more tourists would visit it and carry back fond memories of the time spent in this garden.

UNI