Terrorism hit tourism badly in Kashmir

Young Bites. Dated: 9/21/2018 12:09:06 PM


VK Gupta
Jammu, Sep 20
The two biggest industries in Kashmir today are terror and tourism. And the two are increasingly coming into direct conflict with each. Apart from the fact that muzzling the media is at loggerheads with the democratic bedrock of freedom of expression, such incidents of mob violence in Kashmir in the guise of political protest need to be highlighted, not hidden away. Kashmir’s stone-pelters, and even gun-wielding terrorists, are portrayed in the foreign media in a sympathetic light, being seen as victims of Indian oppression rather than as subversive lawbreakers.
The attacks on tourists shows that such elements are violent criminals, instigated by Pakistan which is clearly part of a larger strategy. Tourism is the biggest source of livelihood in the state which is worstly affected by terrorism. By frightening off tourists, both domestic and foreign visitors avoid them, from visiting Kashmir which is a big blow to tourism industry and the persons whose livelihood is completely dependent on tourists. While all steps should be taken by law enforcement and intelligence agencies to forestall and prevent attacks on visitors, tourism to the state should be aggressively promoted as a counter to terrorism, Kashmir’s major industry.
The paradise on earth, that is Kashmir, has suddenly become unsafe for the tourists and things are getting worse day by day and it all happens in the peak tourist season when the valley expects a large number of tourists from across India. Wide media coverage of frequent mob rioting, stone-pelting incidents and violent encounters between terrorists and security forces have been keeping tourists away from Kashmir due to the sudden spurt in violence in the valley.
Hotel industry is adversely affected and have only 10 to 15% occupancy as compared to around 80 to 90% occupancy during the same period. Tourism in the Kashmir valley has rebounded.during the period,at one time state became one of the top tourist destinations of India. The increase in violence in the state has badly affected the states economy. Terrorism, ambushes, violence,security risks adds adds woes and a fear psychosis to the visiting tourists.Thousands of persons have lost jobs and wages because the terrorism in the state has crucially affected the Tourism Industry. Tourism is one of the most important sectors for the economy of J & K. Kashmir has always been symbolic of romance, and has been a favoured destination among the national as well as the international tourists. Tourism will see breath of relief when the violence in the Valley gets eased and under control.
The separatists hope to strangulate a major source of employment in the state, and make those rendered jobless potential recruits to Pakistan-inspired separatism through violence. Kashmir valley has over 7% stakes in the tourism sector which, in a good season makes state govt to earn Rs 1500 crore.
Tourism Industry badly affected, the inflow of the tourists felled sharply creating great loss to economy of the state. Tourism industry is highly sensitive to issues of law and order. When the law and order is not working, tourism is certainly going to be affected. The National media is swamping with stories of violence in the recent months which is not conducive to tourism. The State Government is also concerned over the decline in the tourism industry and is trying to rectify the situation by offering heavy discounts and assuring safety and security to the visiting tourists in the valley.

 

Face to Face

Face To Face With Atul Kumar Goel (IPS) DIG, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range J&K... Read More
 

FACEBOOK

 

Twitter

 
 

Daily horoscope

 

Weather