Jammu, Dec 14, KNT: President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Sunday alleged that certain individuals are collecting money from the public on the pretext of facilitating the reopening of tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, terming the issue serious and alarming.
Yaseen, while speaking during a convention at Khag Budgam, urged the government and the Lieutenant Governor to order a thorough investigation into the matter and take strict legal action against those found involved. He cautioned the public against falling prey to such practices, asserting that the reopening of tourist destinations falls solely within the domain of the government and no private individual has any authority in this regard.
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“People should not give money to anyone in the name of reopening tourist spots. This is the responsibility of the government, and exploiting public desperation is unacceptable,” he said.
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The PDF chief said the prolonged closure of several tourist destinations has badly hit the livelihoods of thousands of people associated with the tourism sector, including hoteliers, pony owners, guides, shopkeepers, and daily wage earners. He said families dependent on tourism are facing severe economic distress due to continued restrictions.
Yaseen urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to immediately lift the ban on tourist activities at destinations such as Doodpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan. He said keeping these areas closed for an extended period sends a negative signal and further deepens the economic crisis faced by locals dependent on tourism-related activities.
He appealed to the administration to balance security considerations with livelihood concerns and take urgent steps to restore normal tourism activities in a phased and regulated manner. [KNT]
