Stone pelting harming economic activities in Kashmir: Khanna

Jammu, May 08: Expressing grave concern over the tragic incident of stone pelting on tourists in valley and the resultant death of one from among them, BJP National Vice President & J&K Prabhari, Avinash Rai Khanna, has termed the act aimed at harming the economic activities in the summer capital.

“This attack has come at a time when the tourist season is just commencing and all the stakeholders linked with the tourist industry were keenly waiting for the arrival of tourists in large numbers”, Khanna said and added that it goes without saying that large number of people not only from different parts of the country but also from abroad come to enjoy natural beauty and picturesque spots of Kashmir valley every year. Such incidents only come as a shock for all, including the tourists, who have planned their visits in advance bookings in hotels, lodges, huts, houseboats etc.

Avinash Rai Khanna said that right from big hotel owners to houseboat owners, Shikarawala to rehriwala, bus  to taxi operators, all are directly dependent on tourist influx, particularly during the peak season, which is in these ongoing summer months. The stone pelters, by resorting to attack the tourists, have not only harmed these visitors but also dashed hopes of the stakeholders.

 In wake of the attack and also keeping in view the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, the government has to be cautious and instead of soft peddling approach, it must deal with a firm hand with stone pelters. Such incidents also tarnish the image of a common Kashmiri besides shattering the peace in general and affect normal life in particular, Khanna said.