Srinagar, Aug 03 (KNS): The Tourist Trade Fraternity at its meeting held Saturday expressed deep concern over the Government advisory asking tourists and Amarnath pilgrims to leave the valley immediately.

In a statement a spokesperson of the Fraternity said, “Government action is the last nail in the coffin of the tourism industry over here. The advisory issued at a time when thousands of Yatris were at different stages of journey. The decision to call off Yatra has tarnished the image and reputation of Kashmiris as being a tolerant society.”

“The Advisory has also hugely damaged the reputation of Kashmir as a peaceful tourist destination. The tourism fraternity wonders if the safety and security of people is not a priority for the Government. The Advisory asking tourists to leave the valley, huddling and evacuation of tourists from hotels, houseboats, resorts, guest houses has no precedent. The valley has never experienced an unpleasant act or incident targeting tourists,” he said and added the aftermath of advisory and tourist exodus will have disastrous consequences for hotel, restaurants, tour & travel segment, transport, handicrafts, wholesale & retail, shikara walas, ponywalas, daily wagers directly connected with tourism will be hit hard. (KNS)