In a major boost to the Kashmir government's efforts to revive tourism in the pictureque state, germany has issued a fresh travel advisory saying that the situation has calmed down considerably in Kashmir.

“I would like to inform you that further to the visit of Ambassador Thomas Matussek to Kashmir in June and his interaction with journalists, the travel advisory issued by the Federal Foreign Office for German nationals travelling to the region has been revised”, said Jens Urban, spokesman at German Embassy in New Delhi.

An amended advisory issued by German Foreign Office said the Kashmir conflict had in recent decades led to violent clashes and numerous bomb attacks with many casualties. However, "the situation has now calmed down considerably. Foreigners are generally not direct target," the new travel advisory said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "I am very grateful to the German Ambassdor and his government for this pragmatic decision. It corrects an injustice that has been done to the state for years where an advisory issued in early 90's has continued in spite of a dramatic improvement in the situation. "I hope that other European countries and the US will follow the lead of Germany,"