Budgam, Oct 21: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) president and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Tuesday launched a strong attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the four MLAs representing Budgam district, accusing them of neglecting the local tourism sector and ignoring the severe economic distress faced by people dependent on it.
Yaseen said that despite the security situation in the Valley improving significantly after the Pahalgam attack, the government has failed to reopen major tourist destinations such as Doodhpathri, Yousmarg and Tosamaidan, which remain closed without any justification. “There is no reason to keep these prime tourist spots shut when peace and normalcy have largely returned to Kashmir,” he remarked.
The PDF chief said the prolonged closure of these scenic destinations has crippled the local economy. “Thousands of people in these areas depend on tourism for survival — including drivers, ponywalas, guides, hoteliers and small traders. Many have taken bank loans to sustain tourism-linked businesses and are now facing financial hardship due to government indifference,” Yaseen stated.
A delegation of stakeholders from Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan, Khag and Nilnag called on Yaseen today, pressing for the immediate reopening of these tourist spots. They expressed concern that despite the improved security environment, authorities have failed to resume tourism activities, depriving thousands of locals of their livelihoods.
Hakeem Yaseen said tourism remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and urged the government to give equal attention to Budgam’s scenic attractions as it gives to destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. “It is unfortunate that the Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, along with the MLAs and MP from Budgam, have done little to represent the concerns of their people. Their silence reflects complete indifference towards public suffering,” he said.
The PDF President said he has already met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha twice over the issue and plans to meet him again soon to press for urgent action. “The Lieutenant Governor earlier assured me that the matter would be considered, and I will once again urge immediate reopening of these destinations. The government must stop delaying and revive these vital tourism hubs,” Yaseen added.
He appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and LG Manoj Sinha to personally intervene and direct the reopening and development of Budgam’s tourist sites. “Restoring tourism in these areas will not only revive the local economy but also send a powerful message of peace, stability and progress from Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. [KNT]
