Srinagar, Sep 10: The Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association (KHAROA) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the government’s “thundering silence” on the issue of allegedly unsafe mutton being supplied to the Valley.Kashmir tourism

In a statement, the Association said that certain officials of the administration had created a misleading impression that imported unsafe mutton was making its way into restaurants and eateries across Kashmir. “This narrative was floated without any investigation, probe, or establishment of a supply chain that could have shown how this so-called unsafe mutton landed in established restaurants and eateries,” KHAROA said.

The Association further accused some enforcement officials of resorting to arbitrary practices. “They were declaring meat preparations as unsafe or rotten simply by touching them, as if their hands were equipped with instant testing machines and barometers,” it said.

KHAROA noted that its office-bearers had raised these flaws with the authorities, but no corrective measures had been taken. “We had strongly demanded that the government name and shame the unscrupulous elements responsible. However, no names have been disclosed so far, creating confusion and mistrust among the public,” the statement added.

The Association warned that the failure to expose the culprits has dealt a heavy blow to Kashmir’s hospitality sector. “The uncertainty has led to a huge decline in footfall at restaurants and eateries. Businesses are suffering heavy losses, and this directly threatens employment in the sector. Members of KHAROA are under tremendous stress,” it said.

The body also questioned the selective silence of government agencies. “Is naming and shaming restricted only to JK Bank? Why are the black sheep involved in the mutton scandal being protected?” KHAROA asked, insisting that the guilty should be severely punished, while honest restaurant owners—who had become “unfortunate victims of propaganda”—must be cleared without delay.Local events calendar

Pointing out that the sector is still reeling from the fallout of the recent Pahalgam incident, KHAROA said the mutton controversy has further crippled the hotel and restaurant industry in Kashmir. “The damage is immense and may prove irreparable if immediate measures are not taken,” it said.

Urging the highest levels of government to intervene, KHAROA appealed for steps to restore public confidence and safeguard livelihoods. “This propaganda has already caused enough damage. The authorities must act—and act fast—not only to instil confidence in customers but also protect an industry that provides jobs to thousands across Kashmir,” the statement concluded.

Srinagar, Sep 10: Union Textiles Secretary, Neelam Shami Rao, today reiterated the Government’s commitment to promoting and reviving the unique craft of hand-knotted carpet weaving. She made these remarks while distributing Modified Modern Steel Carpet Looms to artisans under the Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) at the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) campus, Srinagar.

The event was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce,. Vikramjit Singh; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Padmini Singla; Director, Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir, Mussrat Islam; Executive Director, Central Wool Development Board, G.S. Bhati; Member Secretary, J&K Sericulture Development Board, P. Shiv Kumar and other senior officers of the Ministry of Textiles and the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir.

In her address, the Union Secretary encouraged the UT Government to submit more proposals to the Ministry of Textiles, particularly for upgradation of testing and certification facilities. She stressed the importance of reviving traditional designs while simultaneously incorporating contemporary patterns to strengthen the global appeal of Kashmiri handicrafts.

“I have come from Delhi along with a team of senior officers to gain firsthand insight into introducing new benchmarks that will strengthen backward and forward linkages in the craft sector,” she stated.
Earlier, Neelam Shami Rao visited various sections of IICT, where the Director IICT briefed her about ongoing training programmes, the design studio and the NABL-accredited laboratory. She expressed keen interest in scaling up IICT’s laboratory facilities, noting that special funding has already been provided under the technology component of the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP).

Union Secretary also visited the Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) and assured full support for procuring state-of-the-art machines to ensure the authenticity of Kashmiri Pashmina and other handicrafts.

During her visit, Union Secretary interacted with Padma Shri and National Award-winning artisans, including Ghulam Hassan Khan (Patchwork Jamawar), Ghulam Nabi Dar (Wood Carving), and Farooq Ahmad Mir (Kani Shawl), as well as budding entrepreneurs like Shahnawaz Carpets and Beenish Crewel Toys.

Union Secretary distributed Modified Modern Steel Carpet Looms among artisan clusters from Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Kulgam and Srinagar districts. She also assured consideration of a proposal submitted by the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, for the procurement of 500 additional looms for distribution.

Srinagar, Sep 10: A nomadic man was killed after being attacked by a bear in the Kharpath Larno area of Kokernag forests in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday.

Quoting officials, the news agency GNS reported that a man belonging to a nomadic family was attacked by a bear while grazing his cattle in the forest area, resulting in his death on the spot.

The victim has been identified as Sadam Hussain Qureshi (27), son of Abdul Wahid Qureshi, resident of Majalta Udhampur.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.

Srinagar, Sep 10: Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has signed a new brownfield project under its Gateway brand in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Developed in collaboration with Cemtac Cements, the resort will have 64 keys with an all-day dining restaurant and a speciality restaurant.

Additional amenities will include a heated pool, spa, gym, and health club.

IHCL real estate & development executive vice-president Suma Venkatesh said: “With its pristine landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Pahalgam’s appeal spans across leisure, spiritual, adventure and eco-tourism segments, making it a compelling destination for today’s traveller.

“This signing is in line with IHCL’s strategy to tap into high-potential destinations that offer both scenic beauty and a strong tourism ecosystem. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Riaz Ahmad Panjra for this project.”

The Gateway resort will also include banqueting facilities spanning 2,000ft² for small gatherings and events.

Located along the Lidder River in the Himalayas, Pahalgam is a hill station known for mountain views, meadows and seasonal tourism.

Cemtac Cements managing director Riaz Ahmad Panjra said: “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to Pahalgam. This partnership reflects our shared vision of enhancing the hospitality landscape in the region while showcasing its natural and cultural richness.”

With this signing, IHCL’s portfolio in Jammu and Kashmir totals seven hotels, including one under development.

Last month, IHCL unveiled the 160-room Gateway Goa, Palolem, situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.

In March, IHCL entered an agreement with Abhijit Realtors and Infraventures, a construction company, to open the Gateway Pench resort in Madhya Pradesh.

IHCL’s portfolio includes more than 550 hotels across four continents, in 14 countries, and over 180 destinations worldwide.