SRINAGAR: National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the April 22 incident dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s tourism sector but emphasized that rebuilding public confidence and reviving tourism are crucial for the valley’s economy.
Speaking to a news agency, Dr. Farooq said, “Since April 22, tourism has suffered greatly. Tourism is vital for Kashmir’s economy; both the poor and the affluent depend on it. Winters shut down business for six months, so all income is earned during the summer and spent in winter. That’s why, after April 22, we have worked hard to restore confidence among the people.”
He added, “The incident was not our doing, but all of Kashmir stood against it.”
Highlighting efforts to attract visitors, he welcomed initiatives showcasing normalcy. “It is encouraging that events like the gold tournament are being promoted, sending a message that conditions here are improving. We invite people to come and enjoy our hospitality,” he said.
On the long-standing demand for restoration of statehood, Dr. Farooq expressed cautious optimism. “God willing, we hope this will happen. Delhi will take note, and the Prime Minister will recognize the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for statehood,” he told reporters.
Regarding periodic disruptions following brief periods of calm, citing controversies over waqf and the Doda incident, Dr. Farooq noted that such challenges have plagued the region for decades. “These issues will continue; we have faced them since 1947. This is not new. But we must move forward. Nothing is static. I hope conditions improve, and our leaders must understand that addressing the aspirations of our people is key to progress,” he said.
