Srinagar, Aug 6, KNT: The recent government takeover of the historic Hotel Nedous in Gulmarg has rendered nearly 100 employees jobless, many of whom had dedicated decades of service to the iconic establishment. Left with no alternative means of livelihood, the displaced employees staged a protest at Press Enclave Srinagar on Tuesday, demanding justice and rehabilitation.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and District President Baramulla, Mohd Rafique Rather, visited the protest site and expressed deep concern over the treatment of the employees. Speaking to reporters, he said, “My concern is not with the takeover itself, but with the way the employees—who have given their lives to this institution—have been left in the lurch, without any plan for their future.”
Rather criticised the administration for its insensitivity, especially at a time when unemployment rates in Jammu and Kashmir are already high. “Displacing over 100 families without any rehabilitation or compensation plan is both unfortunate and deeply insensitive,” he said.
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Highlighting the human cost of the action, Rather added, “Many of these employees are sole breadwinners. How are they expected to feed their children, educate them, or care for ailing family members? This is not just about a hotel—it is about the dignity and survival of real people whose lives have been thrown into uncertainty overnight.”
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Calling for urgent intervention, the PDP leader urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to announce a rehabilitation policy either by reinstating the affected staff or providing them suitable jobs in the tourism or hospitality sector.
He reaffirmed his party’s commitment to the people, stating, “The PDP has always stood for the rights, dignity, and economic well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We stand in full solidarity with the protesting employees of Hotel Nedous and will continue to raise our voice to ensure they get the justice they deserve.”
The displaced workers, many in tears, said they had no prior notice or clarity about their future. “We gave our lives to this hotel. We were not just staff, we were part of its legacy,” said one protestor.
The administration has so far not issued any formal statement regarding the future of the displaced employees. [KNT]
