Srinagar, Mar 17 (KNS): National Conference (NC) MP from south Kashmir (Retd) Jutice Hasnain Masoodi on Tuesday while speaking in Lok Sabha sought comprehensive economic package for rehabilitating tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), MP Masoodi said the tourism industry in J&K in particular the Valley has suffered major reverses due to the tumultuous situation and unremitting internet blockage for over seven months.
“Tourism industry in J&K is one of the most critical sectors that provide employment to lakhs of people who are associated with it. The people associated with tourism sector are living hand to mouth. The tumultuous situation in J&K in particular the valley has rendered all the people associated with it hopeless and destitute. So far the tourism industry has suffered from Rs 20,000 crore losses according to various estimations emanating from the industry and other sources.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe people associated with the trade have set their eyes on the government for necessary succor to help them stand back on their feet,” he said adding, “Railways could play a pivotal role in bringing various tourist destinations on the tourism map of India. The government is already done with the survey of rail routes to other areas, yet nothing substantial is being done to visualize the dream of having major tourist destinations of state on national railway map.”.
He also sought railway link from Jammu to Poonch, Qazigund to Pahalgam and Baramulla to Lolab.
Meanwhile scores of families whose kith and kin have been detained in and outside J&K on Tuesday met Srinagar District President Peer Afaq. He assured the affected families that he will raise the issue at appropriate forms. (KNS)