Srinagar, June 3, KNT: Tourists visiting Dachigam National Park on Wednesday were denied entry after authorities reportedly restricted public access owing to the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, ministers, legislators and senior National Conference leaders attending a day-long party meeting inside the protected area.
The development triggered criticism from some visitors, who questioned why access to a major tourist attraction was curtailed for a political gathering.
A day-long meeting of the ruling National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, is underway at Dachigam with the participation of ministers, around 48 legislators, Members of Parliament and other senior party functionaries.
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Several participants had earlier assembled at the Chief Minister’s Rabita House and residence before proceeding to the venue.
Meanwhile, tourists arriving at the national park claimed they were not allowed to enter and were informed that access had been restricted due to VIP movement.
“VIPs inside, common people outside,” remarked one non-local visitor after being turned away from the park entrance.
The visitor said the group had planned to spend the day at Dachigam but was informed that entry would not be permitted because of the movement of senior political leaders.
The closure has sparked debate on social media, with some users questioning whether public recreational and tourist facilities should remain accessible during political events.
National Conference leaders have maintained that the Dachigam gathering is a routine off-site meeting intended to review governance, organizational matters and public issues.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the meeting had been planned well in advance and was intended to assess the party’s performance over the past 19 months. [KNT]
