Miss World to be held in Kashmir? Organisers issue statement

Miss World beauty contest organisers say they are considering holding the pageant in Kashmir as part of a month-long series of events across India.

Miss World Organization chair Julia Morley said that India will host a month-long series of events for the annual international beauty pageant from November to December, with hopes to host part of the schedule in Kashmir.

"This is a blessed place for tourism," Morley told reporters while on a visit to Srinagar on Monday, the region's main city.

In a later statement issued Tuesday, Jamil Saidi, chairman of Indian event organisation company PME Entertainment, said the location of the final contest had not been decided.

"The venue for the finale is to be finalised and will be announced officially at a later date", Saidi said, adding that the official schedule on events across India had not been decided.

Miss World organisers say the contest "celebrates the beauty, intellect, and humanitarian efforts of women".

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