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| As Kashmir burns, tourists have nowhere to go! | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Apr 4: The tall claims of the Jammu and Kashmir government about tourists enjoying in Kashmir are nothing but a hoax, people associated with tourism industry alleged on Wednesday.
They said that since the day 20 persons were killed in Shopian life in Kashmir has come to a grinding halt. "For the past four days separatists have been calling the shots and ruffians are ruling the streets. All the markets are closed due to the strike called by the separatists and the restrictions imposed by the government . Tourists who have arrived in the Valley to see the scenic beauty have been confined to their hotel rooms and they have nowhere to go. Even restaurants are not functioning properly," they added.
A hotelier while talking to Early Times said, "The government has failed to act against the militants and the separatists. Normalcy cannot be restored till the elements inimical to peace are taken care of."
He said, "We fear that if there is no decline in militancy related incidents and the strike calls we will lose all the bookings as tourists are apprehensive about their security. No sane person wants to spend his holiday in a place where there is fear and uncertainty."
A travel agent said, "All the tourist vehicles are stranded for the past four days. We cannot take tourists to Pahalgam and Sonamarg due to tension prevailing in Anantnag, Bijbehara, Kangan and other areas. Dal Lake also is deserted as we fear that stone-pelters will target us for defying hartal call. We have nowhere to take the tourists and we don't want to put their lives at stake."
He said, "Jammu and Kashmir government is playing politics over the issue of tourists visiting Kashmir. People at the helm seem unaware about the ground realities. They need to come out from the cozy rooms and see what is happening on the streets."
A businessman said, "Kashmir situation won't change till the J&K government changes its policy of being soft towards separatists and militants. All the separatists should be booked and put behind bars till the summer season ends and security forces should be given a free hand to deal with the militants then only peace and tourists would return to Kashmir." |
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