Cong’s Mir meets CM, seeks reopening of tourist spots

Srinagar, May 22: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary, Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Thursday met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here to discuss critical issues, particularly the prevailing security situation following the Pahalgam terror attack last month.
During the meeting, Mir expressed concern over the severe setbacks faced by the tourism sector in Kashmir after the heinous terrorist attack in Bisaran, Pahalgam, in which 25 innocent tourists and one local lost their lives. He emphasised the urgent need to revive tourism activities to help restore normalcy and economic stability.
Mir highlighted the closure of key tourist destinations such as Betab Valley and Aru in Pahalgam, Achabal, Veerinag, Kokernag in Anantnag, and Sinthan among others, which has led to financial distress among hoteliers, transporters, pony wallas, tourists’ guides, shopkeepers, and other stakeholders dependent on tourism.
He urged the government to take immediate measures to reopen these tourist spots, stressing that tourism is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and its revival is essential for the livelihood of countless people.
Chief Minister assured that the government would soon implement steps to reopen the tourist destinations and address the genuine issues faced by stakeholders and the public.
Meanwhile, Mir, who is the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Dooru, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday and put forth various important matters pertaining to the tourism sector in Kashmir.