Tourism Industry and Community Leaders Condemn Recent Attacks in Kashmir, Demand Action
Srinagar, Nov 5, 2024 – In a unified call for peace and stability, tourism industry stakeholders and community leaders in Kashmir have strongly condemned the recent spate of terror attacks in the region. These incidents, which have targeted both locals and non-locals, have sparked widespread concern and calls for immediate action to restore peace.
Joint Press Conference
At a joint press conference held in Srinagar, several prominent figures from the tourism sector voiced their condemnation of the attacks and emphasized the critical need for peace to sustain the region’s economy. Mushtaq Chaya, chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Hoteliers Club, stated, “It is not acceptable to Kashmiris. We request those who are behind these, do not do this. It will not be acceptable that people get killed and the economy gets destroyed here.” Chaya highlighted that thousands of people depend on tourism for their livelihood, and such incidents aim to derail peace and impact the tourism industry.
Impact on Tourism
The recent grenade attack near the Tourist Reception Center (TRC) left 11 persons injured, adding to the series of attacks targeting non-locals since the formation of the new government in Jammu and Kashmir. Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, another tourism representative, urged the government to identify and address the root causes of these incidents. “We have to address issues like unemployment and drug abuse,” he added.
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Industry’s Call for Action
Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, another tourism representative, urged the government to identify and address the root causes of these incidents. He pointed out issues like unemployment and drug abuse as areas needing attention. Rauf Tramboo, president of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), echoed these sentiments, condemning the incidents and pledging full support to government efforts to curb them. “We are at the beck and call of the government. We assure our full support to the government to curb such incidents,” Tramboo stated. He also called on security agencies to become more proactive in addressing these threats.
Calls for Government Action
Rauf Tramboo, president of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), echoed these sentiments, condemning the incidents and pledging full support to government efforts to curb them. “We are at the beck and call of the government. We assure our full support to the government to curb such incidents. We request the security agencies to get proactive to curb such elements,” Tramboo said.
Political Reactions
The press conference also addressed recent remarks by National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah, who suggested that the attacks might be aimed at destabilizing the Omar Abdullah-led government. Chaya supported the call for investigations, stating, “He (Farooq Abdullah) is our tallest leader. He is right. These (attacks) did not take place for 2-3 years, but are happening now when the new government has taken over. There should be investigations”.
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Assurance to Tourists
Acknowledging the impact of the attacks on tourist arrivals, Chaya reassured visitors that Kashmir remains a safe destination. “We want to send out a message to tourists that Kashmir is a safe place and that they can travel to any place anytime,” he said.
Altaf Bukhari’s Statement
Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Altaf Bukhari also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the need for the administration to take immediate responsibility in addressing the recent security challenges posed by terror attacks in the valley. Bukhari specifically pointed to the grenade attack near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) as a significant threat to the valley’s tourism and local businesses.
Bukhari expressed concern over the rising security incidents, urging authorities to ensure that these attacks do not adversely affect the tourism industry, which is crucial to the valley’s economy. He highlighted the importance of restoring confidence among both local stakeholders and potential tourists, calling for proactive measures to combat misleading narratives that may further damage the region’s image.
“The concerns raised by business owners and stakeholders are valid. It is critical that the administration works to counter the ongoing security threats and dispels any misinformation, ensuring that the safety and prosperity of our tourism sector and local businesses are not compromised,” Bukhari stated.
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Bottom-Line
The unified stance of the tourism industry and community leaders against violence underscores the importance of peace for Kashmir’s economy and society. By working with authorities, they hope to restore stability and ensure a secure environment for both locals and visitors alike.
