AMN

In Jammu & Kashmir, the tourist advisory restricting the movement of tourists in Kashmir valley has been lifted from today. This will facilitate the movement of tourists in the Kashmir region. The advisory was issued on 2nd of August this year.

The move comes in the wake of the decision taken by the Governor Satya Pal Malik earlier this week. A large number of tourists visit Kashmir valley every year.

On August 2, the central government cancelled the Amarnath Yatra and asked the tourists to curtail their stay in the valley citing “intelligence inputs of terror threats”.

Jammu and Kashmir was put under virtual curfew on 5 August when the Modi government scrapped the Article 370 and split the state into two union territories.

Those connected with tourism trade were however apprehensive that the government’s decision might not solve any purpose because of the communication lockdown.

Captain Anil Gour (Retired), former chairman of the Indian Tour Operators Association said that lifting the advisory for tourists does not have any meaning without restoring the communication system.

The tourism industry has suffered losses during the Puja holidays as no booking was made and the bookings done in advance were cancelled because of uncertainty in Kashmir.

The summer tourism was badly hit as tourists were abruptly asked to leave the Kashmir valley before abrogation of the special status of the state in August.

Tourism in the Jammu division, where several new destinations have opened up, has also been hit. Arrival of tourists in the Bhaderwah circuit has been reduced to a trickle although the situation in Jammu was not bad.

Transportation of apple from Kashmir has also been hit and 850 tonnes of fruit worth Rs 3.25 crore has been procured so far.