Tourist trade fraternity of Kashmir has expressed concern over the government advisory asking tourists and Amarnath yatris to leave Kashmir immediately.
Various tourist trade bodies including J&K HoteliersClub, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Federation (KHAROF), Association ofKashmir Tour Operators, Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) heldan emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
In a joint statement, issued after the meeting, the touristtraders said the government action is the last nail in the coffin of thetourism industry over here.
The advisory issued at a time when thousands of Yatris wereat different stages of journey fearing an attack is very unfortunate, itsaid.
“The decision to call off Yatra has tarnished the image andreputation of Kashmiris as being a tolerant society,” it said. “The advisoryhas also hugely damaged the reputation of Kashmir as a peaceful touristdestination.”
“The tourism fraternity wonders if the safety and securityof people is not a priority for the Government. The Advisory asking tourists toleave the valley, huddling and evacuation of tourists from hotels, houseboats,resorts, guest houses has no precedent.”
They said Kashmir has never experienced an unpleasant act orincident targeting tourists.
The aftermath of advisory and tourist exodus will havedisastrous consequences for hotel, restaurants, tour and travel segment,transport, handicrafts, wholesale and retail, shikara walas, ponywalas, dailywagers directly connected with tourism will be hit hard.
“We fail to understand how would you call a governmentadvisory as a rumour. This is some food for thought. This advisory in actualityis a big crackdown on the populace of Kashmir,” read the statement.
“In the present circumstance, the first hit will be itsworkforce when the unit will not have finances, which is understandable thatthe workers will be laid off,” it said, adding, the interests and bankingcommitments and other recurring expenditure cannot be met as there will be norevenue generation.