Taking a dig at Hurriyat's invitation of 'tourists' to Kashmir, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ram Madhav today said the separatists were more interested in welcoming 'terrorists' to the state.

"I consider it a spelling mistake by Hurriyat people. They might have mistakenly said tourists in place of terrorists. They always welcome terrorists (to Kashmir)," he told reporters in Jammu.

The separatist leaders, who have been spearheading the five-month-long unrest in Kashmir, had in a surprise move yesterday invited tourists and pilgrims to visit the Valley to enjoy the traditional hospitality of its people while promising them safety.

The BJP national general secretary said nobody trusted the separatists and if they were so sincere about peace, they should stop issuing calendars (of shutdowns).

"On one side, you (Hurriyat) preach terrorism and on the other, you issue calendars by shutting down shops, business establishments and educational institutions. Then, you do this drama of issuing statements of inviting tourists to Kashmir," he said.

Stating that this was the biggest hypocrisy by the Hurriyat, Madhav said, If they want tourists in the Valley, they should first restore peace in the Valley. But unfortunately, they are the biggest hurdle in restoration of peace and normalcy in Kashmir.

However, the Modi government spoke in a different voice, with Minister of State for Tourism Mahesh Sharma hailing the initiative.

"My big salute goes to all those who support tourism, and yes, we are for it. The vision of our great Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is to see that the Valley comes back again. We are all prepared to see and ensure that the tourism industry in the Valley flourishes and for that any steps need to be taken, we will come a step forward.

"Tourism will change the shape of the Valley and will bring the glory back...as a Tourism Minister I welcome their initiative and of course other calls will be taken by the Government of India," Sharma told reporters in New Delhi.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju also said that everyone should promote tourism as Jammu and Kashmir has been very, very important for the sector.