Srinagar, July 3: The Valley hoteliers have taken a strong note of what it said a misleading campaign launched by some vested interest to harm the hospitality sector of Kashmir.
 Under the banner of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association, the hoteliers said the vicious campaign clearly indicated a “design to disrupt the on going tourist season and the Ammarnath yatra in the Valley.”
 “We hereby make it clear that Kashmiris in general and hotel and restaurant sector in particular, are proud of their hospitality which they have been extending to the tourists and yatries since ages,” it said.
 The members said Kashmiris had been the main facilitators in the smooth conduct of Yatra even during hard times.
 “We are deeply anguished by the misguided reports a section of national media carries and misleading information vested interest spread outside the state as also vicious campaign by Jammu Sangarsh Samiti who try to link the present prevailing crises in Kashmir with the on going Yatra, which absolutely is contrary to the facts.”
 “Therefore, the tourists or the Yatries should not be carried away by such rumours or wrong campaign, but should carry on with their visit without any fear as we are here to receive and facilitate them to make their visit smooth,” it said.
 “We are of the strong view that the state government and the authorities at helm need to intervene to check these vested interests from causing further damage to the tourism industry,” it said.
 Meanwhile, the KHARA has condemned the killings of youth in Kashmir. It said if killing of civilians is not stopped forthwith it would serious repercussions for the state.
 “We are of the view that the government machinery both Centre and State, including Ministers need to use utmost restraint from issuing the statements which add fuel to the fire and are likely to cause damage to the Tourism Trade,” it said.
 “We also appeal to general public to show a sense of responsibility and hospitality to the incoming Tourists and Yatries so as to make their visit hassle free,” it said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 3 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 3 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST