Srinagar, Apr 16: With municipal elections in the state likely to be held next month, Valley’s tourism fraternity has urged the government to postpone the elections till the fag end of the year.
According to the tourism players the month of May is the peak season for them and holding elections at that time would affect their prospective business opportunities. Chairman, Houseboat Owner Association (HBOA), Muhammad Azim Tuman urged government and concerned authorities to reschedule dates of municipal elections.
“We suggest state government to defer the municipal polls till September, as during May tourism season is at its peak and we don’t want it to get wasted by holding elections during that time,” Tuman said adding that there is always apprehension among the tourists that elections would curtail their freedom of movement.
The President Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Rauf Tramboo said: “It would be better if the government defers municipal polls, as Kashmir is a conflict ridden place and there is always fear of some untoward incident taking place.”
“Government should seriously think on this issue. We have worked tirelessly to promote tourism across the globe and government should also be sensitive,” Tramboo said adding that people outside the state have notion that elections in  the Valley means “violence” and we have long history of such incidents which almost shattered our tourism industry. “We appeal to the government to postpone municipal elections till October or November.”
Convener, Hotelier Club, Tariq Rashid also pitched for postponement of municipal polls. “It would have been wiser on the part of the state government to postpone municipal polls till winter. As holding elections during May which is the peak season for tourism sector will have drastic affect on the business. There are apprehensions among tourism players that holding elections during May will result in cancellation of bookings, as nobody will prefer to visit this place during election time,” Rashid said.
While supporting the Tourism players, member of Kashmir Civil Society Group (KCSG), Shakeel Qalandar said: “Tourism players have genuine apprehensions about Municipal elections to be held in May. It will affect their business and government should consider their demand.”
Pertinently, Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has urged people to boycott upcoming municipal elections.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST