Public worried about continuous closure of tourist spot Yusmarg
People dependent on tourism face starvation
Srinagar: After the Pahalgam attack in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the tourist spot, Yusmarg, in Budgam district, like other tourist spots, was also closed for public traffic in the name of so-called security measures
According to Kashmir Media Service, the closure of Yusmarg has cut off the source of income of the locals associated with the tourism sector and forced them to starve.
Locals say that the continuous restrictions have destroyed the income of many families dependent on tourism and the occupying authorities are continuously showing indifference.
They said that hotels in Yusmarg were locked and tourism activities were at a standstill, which had affected hotel owners, tourist guides, porters, drivers, shopkeepers and labourers.
Tourism is the main source of livelihood for most families in the area. A local said the situation is so desperate that people are talking about setting themselves on fire.
He said, “We understand security, but what we don’t understand is why a peaceful place like Yusmarg is being closed indefinitely without any explanation.”
Another local said, “We are being pushed to the brink of starvation. Our children have been taken out of schools and our hotels are closed. The economy of Yusmarg is entirely based on tourism with limited employment opportunities.”
Local residents said the prolonged closure is putting people under financial strain. They said many families are borrowing money for daily expenses while some are delaying treatment. The people said they have made several representations to the district authorities, the tourism department and the complaints cell but have received no response.
Observers say that the continued closure of tourist sites reveals the indifference of the occupying authorities to the economic hardships faced by Kashmiris and undermines the Modi government’s lofty claims of normalcy in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
