Delhi targets Gulmarg hoteliers in bid to cripple Kashmir’s economy
Srinagar: India’s dreaded agency, Enforcement Directorate ,has summoned nine prominent Gulmarg hoteliers, in a move widely seen as New Delhi’s latest attempt to cripple Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism-driven economy.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the ED notices issued under draconian Prevention of Money Laundering Act direct the hoteliers to appear before the agency and furnish financial and property documents. Those summoned include Grand Mumtaz and Radisson Group owner Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai alias Chaya, Nazir Ahmad Mir, Manzoor Ahmad Khan of Hotel Khalil Palace, Abdul Hamid Dar of Hotel Mama Palace, Syed Musadiq Shah of Hotel Royal Park, Ibrahim Khan of Kolahoi Greens and Sadaf Shah of Hotel Alpine Ridge.
Mushtaq Chaya said he had furnished all documents sought by the agency but did not appear personally.
Political observers said the targeting of Kashmir’s leading hoteliers under draconian laws is part of New Delhi’s design to intimidate local business owners and break the economic backbone of the disputed territory. They added that repeated use of agencies like ED and NIA against Kashmiri traders and professionals exposes India’s policy of economic strangulation alongside military repression.
