Political parties helping to revive tourism

Besides doing their routine activities, the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are presently trying to provide a helping hand to the efforts for the revival of the tourism sector. The tourism sector received a major setback due to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. At that time all the political parties in one voice had strongly condemned the killing of 25 innocent tourists and a local pony operator and expressed their shock and grief over the tragedy. As a precautionary measure several tourist destinations were closed by the government after the attack. However, several spots have been reopened now and more will the thrown open again in a phased manner. The decision has been widely hailed by the people and political parties with a hope that the remaining closed tourist destinations too are reopened soon.

Efforts are being made at the government and non-government levels to put the tourism back on track. The government is taking steps in this direction and so are the other stakeholders in the tourism sector. Political parties are also trying to play their role.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, senior leaders of National Conference, BJP, Congress, PDP, People’s Conference, Apni Party and other parties visited the tourist spots and met the visitors there. They tried to send a message to the people across the country with a plea to visit Kashmir in large numbers. The leaders interacted with the tourists and assured them that they will not face any problem here.

Such efforts are continuing even today. Through different means the parties are trying to motivate the intending visitors to visit Jammu and Kashmir. Apni Party led by Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also took out a “shikara rally” in Dal lake on June 18. Talking to media he said that with that rally his party wanted to give a message that Kashmir is safe for tourists.

Almost every party is trying to contribute through its activities in the measures aimed at strengthening the tourism in J&K. Such efforts may take some time but will surely succeed. The rail connectivity between Kashmir and rest of the country too can play a vital role in re- strengthening the tourism ties. The tickets of Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, operating since June 6, have been already sold out for June and for some weeks of July. The advance bookings are going at fast pace. There are reports of the railways adding more coaches to meet the rush. Adding the coaches is the need of the hour and should be done at the earliest.

While the efforts for successful tourism are continuing, the focus is also now on the safe, smooth and successful Amarnath Yatra, beginning on July 3. Large number of pilgrims are expected this time. All security and other required arrangements are being put in place at all levels. Political parties too have offered their cooperation for smooth pilgrimage. Senior leaders are visiting the places on yatra route and urging local people to provide all possible support and help as they used to do in past. Reports indicate that the people, who are associated with yatra, are enthusiastically waiting for the pilgrimage to begin. They have taken part in large numbers in the recent registration process in this connection. Offering of help by political parties for tourism promotion and smooth yatra is a very positive step. There are times when political parties have to rise to the occasion and work collectively and effectively for the best interests of the people. This is exactly what they are doing right now and they should continue doing this.

Addressing public issues seriously while in the government or outside the government is equally important for the political parties. The ruling and opposition parties too must play their role in strengthening other important sectors in Jammu and Kashmir including agriculture, horticulture, and handicrafts. While it is the duty of the elected government to bring improvement in these sectors, the opposition parties too will have to help the government in this direction and make the government accountable for the shortcomings.

Tourism has seen many ups and downs for last several decades. With the efforts of the government and the people it has come out of bad times a number of times. Hopefully this bad phase passes off soon. The horticulture sector particularly the apple production and its trade, which is the backbone of J&K’s economy, is facing a number of problems. These problems have to be solved. Agriculture and handicrafts too need special focus. These sectors have to be strengthened for better economy. The problems being faced by the people, associated with these sectors, have to be taken up seriously and solved at the earliest. The delay in timely solution further complicates the issues. The opposition parties need to act and make the government to find timely solution of the people’s problems.