KCCI urges Government to address defamatory claims about “Kashmir tourism feeding terrorism”

Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has  expressed disappointment  over JNU scientist and author Anand Ranganathan’s suggestion to emulate “Israeli Model” in Kashmir. He has made the suggestion during a podcast on ANI news agency.

“The KCCI condemns in strongest possible terms Ranganathan’s assertion that the income of “millions and billions of rupees minted out of 1.60 crore tourists visiting Jammu & Kashmir last year is mostly going to terrorists. He forgets that the reference to 1.60 crore tourists include a large number of pilgrims who last year undertook Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra”, according to a statement issued to media today.

“Ranganathan has chosen to paint all the people black who directly or indirectly are associated with tourism as collaborators of terrorists. This claim is being widely condemned by public in general and tourism stakeholders in particular. Ranganathan’s ill conceived forecast that “insurgency, terrorism and militancy” is here to stay is preposterous and rejected with the contempt it deserves”, the statement added.

“This narrative if not effectively dealt with will not only deal a crippling blow to tourism but is an attempt to derail the growing economy of Jammu & Kashmir . It can also send negative signals about the prevalence of peace in the region for which the Government of India and the Jammu & Kashmir have played a significant role”, the statement further added.

Asserting that the record tourist footfall are the result of the prevalent peace, KCCI said Ranganathan’s assertion also negates Government’s focus on removal of unnecessary advisories imposed by Foreign Governments regarding travel to the region.

It is worthwhile to mention that the Prime Minister and the Lt. Governor played a significant role in the present peaceful situation in Jammu & Kashmir and any attempt to disturb the situation is fraught with dangerous consequences for the tourism and economy of Jammu & Kashmir.
The KCCI demands that the Government take a stringent action against Ranganathan and others sharing his conviction, KCCI said.