Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has strongly condemned a suggestion made by JNU scientist and author Anand Ranganathan to implement the “Israeli Model” of settlements and other forceful measures in Kashmir.
Ranganathan made this suggestion during a podcast on ANI news agency. The KCCI takes particular offense to his claim that tourism revenue in Jammu and Kashmir benefits terrorists.
KCCI Rejects Ranganathan’s Claims:
- Misinformation about Tourism: The KCCI refutes Ranganathan’s assertion that tourist income goes to terrorists. They clarify that a significant portion of the 1.6 crore tourists visiting J&K last year were pilgrims visiting religious sites.
- Painting Tourism Stakeholders Negatively: The KCCI condemns Ranganathan’s implication that all people involved in tourism are somehow linked to terrorism. They view this as a dangerous generalization.
- Unfounded Fears about Insurgency: The KCCI rejects Ranganathan’s prediction of continued insurgency and militancy. They believe this narrative is harmful and could cripple the growing economy of J&K.
- Threat to Peace Efforts: The KCCI highlights the positive impact of recent peace initiatives undertaken by the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration. They see Ranganathan’s statements as a threat to these efforts.
KCCI Calls for Action:
The KCCI emphasizes the record-breaking tourist arrivals as evidence of prevailing peace in J&K. They urge the government to take strict action against Ranganathan and those who promote similar views.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate about security measures in Jammu and Kashmir. The KCCI’s response underscores the importance of promoting peace and stability, which are crucial for reviving the region’s economy, particularly the tourism sector.
NO: KCC&I/PN/06/2024/ 13th June, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) expresses outrage over JNU scientist and author Anand Ranganathan’s suggestion to emulate “Israeli Model” of settlements and other high-handed and extrajudicial measures in Kashmir. He has made the suggestion during a podcast on ANI news agency. The KCCI condemns in strongest possible terms Ranganathan’s assertion that the income of “millions and billions of rupees minted out of 1.60 crore tourists visiting Jammu & Kashmir last year is mostly going to terrorists. He forgets that the reference to 1.60 crore tourists include a large number of pilgrims who last year undertook Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Ranganathan has chosen to paint all the people black who directly or indirectly are associated with tourism as collaborators of terrorists. This claim is being widely condemned by public in general and tourism stakeholders in particular.Ranganathan’s ill conceived forecast that “insurgency, terrorism and militancy” is here to stay is preposterous and rejected with the contempt it deserves. This narrative if not effectively dealt with will not only deal a crippling blow to tourism but is an attempt to derail the growing economy of Jammu & Kashmir . It can also send negative signals about the prevalence of peace in the region for which the Government of India and the Jammu & Kashmir have played a significant role.
The record tourist footfall are the result of the prevalent peace. Ranganathan’s assertion also negates Government’s focus on removal of un- necessary advisories imposed by Foreign Governments regarding travel to the region..
It is worthwhile to mention that the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Lt. Governor played a significant role in the present peaceful situation in Jammu & Kashmir and any attempt to disturb the situation is fraught with dangerous consequences for the tourism and economy of Jammu & Kashmir.
The KCCI demands that the Government take a stringent action against Ranganathan and others sharing his conviction.
Faiz Ahmad Bakshi
Secretary General
