Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 5: The hoteliers and tour operators today condemned recent militant attacks in Kashmir, especially the grenade attack near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), stating that those involved are not “humans.”
Addressing a press conference, Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club Chairman Mushtaq Chaya said that such incidents are unacceptable to Kashmiris and are aimed at disrupting the peace Kashmir has enjoyed in recent years.
“We have come together today to condemn these attacks in which many were injured and are now in hospitals. Many such incidents have happened before, resulting in deaths. This is not acceptable to Kashmiris. We have seen enough in the past 30 years,” he said.
The press conference was jointly held by the J&K Hoteliers Club and the Tour Operators at Rajbagh.
Chaya urged those responsible for these acts to desist, noting their impact on the economy, especially tourism, which he called Kashmir’s biggest industry and a livelihood for many. “We want peace only,” he emphasized.
He also supported NC president and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s call for an investigation into the recent surge in attacks, stating, “He is right; there must be an investigation to understand the cause of this spike.”
Noted businessman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo also condemned the grenade attack, stressing the need to address root causes and find solutions.
“I mentioned in the meeting the need to tackle unemployment and the drug menace. No human would commit such acts” he added.
Another prominent tourism stakeholder, Rouf Tramboo, highlighted that such incidents disrupt the peace that Kashmir has maintained in recent years.
“The Government has our full support in curbing these activities so that they do not recur. These attacks consume lives and deeply sadden us,” he said, adding, “We urge the security forces to bring an end to these incidents.”
The stakeholders, however, noted that these incidents, particularly the TRC grenade attack, have not impacted tourist arrivals or their movement.
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