BJP’s Tourism Claims Under Fire: Farooq Abdullah’s Sharp Rebuttal
Srinagar, Sep 12: In a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) claims of a tourism boom in Jammu and Kashmir, former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah likened the situation to tourists coming and going like prisoners. His comments come amidst ongoing debates about the region’s development and security post the abrogation of Article 370.
Farooq Abdullah’s Critique
Addressing a gathering, Abdullah dismissed the BJP’s assertions that Jammu and Kashmir has seen a significant increase in tourism. “They come and go like prisoners,” he remarked, highlighting the stringent security measures and the controlled environment in which tourists visit the region. According to Abdullah, the current state of tourism does not reflect genuine growth but rather a superficial increase under heavy surveillance.
Security Concerns
Abdullah’s comments also touched on the broader security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out that despite the BJP’s claims of normalcy, the heavy deployment of security forces, especially during events like the Amarnath Yatra, paints a different picture. “The government claims normalcy, yet they deploy massive security for the Amarnath Yatra. This contradiction needs to be addressed,” he stated.
Political Implications
The former Chief Minister’s remarks are significant in the context of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah accused the BJP of using the narrative of improved security and tourism to garner votes, particularly among Hindu voters. He argued that the BJP’s focus on Jammu, while neglecting Kashmir, is a strategy to create fear and secure electoral gains.
Article 370 and Its Aftermath
Farooq Abdullah also reiterated his stance on the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the removal of Article 370 has not brought the promised peace and development to the region. “It took India nearly 200 years to gain independence. Restoring Article 370 will also take time, but it is essential for the true development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted.
Public Reaction
The public response to Abdullah’s statements has been mixed. While his supporters agree with his critique of the BJP’s policies, others believe that the region has seen some positive changes post-Article 370 abrogation. The debate continues as the region prepares for the upcoming elections, with tourism and security remaining key issues.
Bottom-Line
Farooq Abdullah’s critique of the BJP’s claims about a tourism boom in Jammu and Kashmir highlights the ongoing political and security challenges in the region. His comparison of tourists to prisoners underscores the controlled and heavily monitored nature of tourism in the area. As the assembly elections approach, these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse.
