MILITANCY MUFFLED, TOURISM THRIVES IN KASHMIR

P.VIJIAN

SRINAGAR, May 19 (Bernama) -- The once-dented Kashmir's tourism industry,
core pillar of its economy, is on roll this summer, with tourists converging at
the scenic destination that is relatively free from security risks.
Hotels are mostly booked out with Dal Lake, known for its houseboats, packed
while Kashmiri traders busily entertained the visitors with their trademark
shawls, homegrown saffron and dried fruits.
"Tourism this summer is on the upward trend, figures are very impressive. In
fact arrivals have doubled this year compared to the same time last summer.
Security is not a concern any more," Nawang Rigzin Jora, Jammu and Kashmir (J
&K) Tourism and Culture Minister told Bernama.
Tourists, both domestic and foreign, had shied away from one of the world's
beautiful tourist spots, ever since the Kashmiri dispute turned into full
blown violent conflict in 1989, killing over 50,000 people in the last two
decades.
The bloody conflict, between militant groups and Indian security forces,
dragged on for almost two decades, without possible solutions from neighbouring
India and Pakistan, both having powerful say in resolving the territorial
dispute.
Although the guns have silenced in the valley now, currently 700,000 Indian
security forces are being deployed to ensure security in the region.
Despite prevailing peace this summer in Srinagar, J&K's capital, several
western governments had issued travel advisories to its citizens not to visit
Kashmir, which Jora described as unreasonable at this juncture.
"These advisories put Kashmir in a bad light, these advisories stop
potential visitors from coming here. It is still a safe place, last year over
40,000 foreign tourists visited Kashmir," he added.
About 200,000 visitors, largely Indians trying to escape the scorching
summer heat in the north, have travelled to Kashmir, including a few foreigners,
from March till May this year.
The crucial tourism industry had changed the mood of the locals in the
valley -- it is now creating employment, generating revenue and keeping people
busy -- but once the season ends in August, tourist dollars may dry out, leaving
Kashmir in a dull financial spot.
-- BERNAMA