Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. - PDF Chief Criticizes CM, MLAs, and MP from Budgam for ignoring the plight of tourism-dependent families
- Appeals HM Shah, LG Manoj Sinha to reconsider opening of tourist destinations in Budgam district
SRINAGAR: President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has launched a strong attack on Chief Minister and the four MLAs from Budgam district, accusing them of completely neglecting the local tourism sector and failing to address the mounting economic crisis faced by the people of the region.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem Yaseen said that despite the security situation in the Kashmir Valley improving significantly after the deadly Pahalgam attack, the government has failed to reopen major tourist destinations such as Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan, which continue to remain shut for unknown reasons.
“There is no justification for keeping these prime tourist spots closed when peace and normalcy have largely returned to the Valley,” he said. He further pointed out that these picturesque destinations in Budgam district hold enormous potential to boost local employment and the tourism-driven economy.
“Thousands of people in these areas depend on tourism for their survival — including vehicle operators, ponywalas, hoteliers, guides, and small traders. Many among them have taken bank loans to invest in tourism-related businesses, and now they are facing a deep financial and unemployment crisis due to prolonged government apathy,” Hakeem stated.
A delegation of stakeholders from various tourist destinations in Budgam district today called on Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen to press for the immediate reopening of tourist destinations in the district. The delegation included representatives from Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan, Khag, and Nilnag, who expressed concern over the prolonged restrictions that have hampered tourism activities in the region.
They said that despite improved security and stable conditions across the Kashmir Valley, several prime tourist spots in Budgam continue to remain closed, depriving thousands of people of their livelihood. The PDF President reiterated that tourism remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, and authorities must ensure that Budgam’s scenic destinations receive the same attention as other popular spots in the Valley.
Meanwhile, Hakeem Yaseen expressed serious concern that the Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism portfolio along with the four MLAs and one MP from Budgam, have completely failed to represent the people’s issues or provide any relief. “It is unfortunate that despite repeated appeals and reminders, the representatives of Budgam have done nothing for their constituencies. Their silence reflects indifference towards the plight of their own people,” he remarked.
The PDF President revealed that he has already met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha twice regarding the issue and will meet him again soon to reiterate the demand for the reopening of these tourist destinations. “The Lieutenant Governor has assured me of consideration earlier, and I will once again press for immediate action. The government must stop delaying and take steps to bring these tourist places back to life,” Hakeem said.
He also made a strong appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and LG Manoj Sinha to personally intervene and ensure the reopening and development of Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan. “Reopening these destinations will not only revive the local economy but also send a strong message of peace, stability, and progress from Jammu and Kashmir,” Hakeem added.
