Srinagar: Manzoor Pakhtoon has been re-elected as the chairman of the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association with an overwhelming majority, securing 270 votes against his nearest rival who polled 35 votes.
In the election for vice-chairman, Bashir Pala emerged victorious with 198 votes, while his closest competitor managed 106 votes. The elections, which saw enthusiastic participation from members of the association, underscored the growing resolve within the community to strengthen its collective voice.
Speaking after his re-election, Manzoor Pakhtoon expressed gratitude to the members for their trust and support.
“I am deeply honored to have been elected to serve the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association. This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to every member who believes in the strength of our unity and the future of our houseboat community. Together, we will work to protect our heritage, strengthen our businesses, and bring positive growth to our association,” he said.
He assured members that their confidence would not be misplaced and pledged to work towards safeguarding the centuries-old houseboat tradition of Kashmir while addressing the challenges faced by owners.
Houseboats, a unique cultural and tourism asset of Jammu & Kashmir, continue to face multiple challenges, including maintenance issues, regulatory hurdles, and the impact of climate and environmental changes on water bodies. The association plays a critical role in voicing these concerns and pushing for collective solutions.
With the new leadership in place, the community expressed hope for a renewed push to protect the heritage of houseboats and improve the livelihoods of those dependent on this traditional industry.
