SRINAGAR: The J&K National Conference launched a strong criticism against the current administration on Monday, accusing it of making empty claims about the remarkable growth observed in the tourism sector.
Speaking at a gathering of party members from District Udhampur Rural, Rattan Lal Gupta, the Provincial President of JKNC Jammu, highlighted that tourism holds a crucial role in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that it contributes significantly to both economic expansion and employment prospects.
Gupta expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s proclamations about their efforts to bolster the tourism industry, asserting that these claims have not materialised into tangible outcomes. Despite grand assurances, the actual on-ground situation stands in stark contrast to the official statements.
The Provincial President directed pointed questions to the Administration led by the LG, querying the number of tourists who visited the Jammu region, excluding popular destinations like Mata Vaishno Devi and Baba Amarnath Shrine, in the previous year. He raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure development by the current administration to support the growth of tourism in the area.
Gupta also criticised the LG administration for failing to establish a religious circuit in Jammu, even though there are numerous religious sites across the region. He highlighted that despite the substantial influx of visitors to revered locations like Shree Mata Vaishno Devi, Shadra Sharief, Sarthal Devi Mata, Machail Mata, Sukrala Mata, Shiv Khori, Kol Kandoli Temple, Purmandal, Utterbehni, Krimchi Temple, and many others, the government hasn’t effectively capitalized on the potential of these religious circuits to enhance tourism in the Jammu region.
The Provincial President underscored the potential of various tourist spots such as Patnitop, Mansar, Surinsar, Peer Ki Gali, Noori Chamb, the seven lakes at Poonch Rajouri, Bhadarwah, Kishtwar, Suchetgarh, and others to boost tourism in the Jammu region. He called upon the LG Administration to clarify the progress made in terms of infrastructure at these tourist attractions.
Gupta firmly believed that the creation of a religious circuit and the establishment of essential infrastructure could significantly amplify tourism in Jammu. He added that by developing and promoting diverse tourist destinations across the region, creating a religious circuit, and investing in necessary infrastructure, the potential for tourism growth and economic opportunities could be fully realized.
The Provincial President stressed that the victory of the National Conference in the upcoming ULB and Panchayat polls would provide solutions to the prevailing issues.
The meeting was led by Ram Parshotam Sharma, District President Udhampur Rural, who briefed senior members about the challenges faced by the people in rural areas of District Udhampur, including Ramnagar and Cheanni. The attendees extensively discussed the upcoming elections of Cheanni and Ramnagar municipalities.
Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary JKNC, voiced concerns about Jammu’s declining economy due to government policies, particularly the discontinuation of the annual Darbar Move. The tradition of the Civil Secretariat moving to Jammu annually brought more than 50,000 government employees, significantly contributing to the local economy during their six-month stay.
Senior NC leaders Pardeep Bali and Vijay Lochan appealed to the public to support Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah in the upcoming elections, recognising their achievements and urging for a brighter future.
Furthermore, Mir Qasim Wani, Retd Sub Inspector of J&K Police from Basantgarh, Shah Ali of Chenani, and Aryan Jamwal of Udhampur, along with their supporters, joined the party under the leadership of District President Ram Parshotam Sharma, in the presence of senior party members.
Several individuals attended the gathering, including Mohd Shafi Adv, Rajesh Gupta Adv, Lal Chand Musafir, Vijay Khajuria, Prem Nath Nami, Govind Chalotra, Tanveer Sheikh, Naresh Anthal, Mohan Lal, Ramesh Kumar, Bushan Kalotra, John Willson, Rama Gupta, V.D Shrista, Puspa Bhagat, Madhu Verma, Geeta Handu, and others.
