Strike called in Kashmir against lease out of tourist sites

Srinagar, May 4 (UNI) The Dukhataran-e-Millat (Daughters of Faith) has called for a complete shutdown tomorrow against the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to lease out land at world famous tourist resorts to outsiders and on the recent sex scandal allegedly involving top politicians and civil and police officials.

In a statement here, Dukhatarn-e-Millat Chief Asiya Andrabi has appealed to the people to observe the strike to register their protest against the state government's move and the sex scandal.

''The government by ordering a CBI probe into the sex scandal is only buying time,'' she added.

Meanwhile, the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) has criticised the government for its proposal to lease out tourist sites in Kashmir such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam to private firms from outside the state.

Describing the proposal as a ''conspiracy'' against Kashmiris, the Federation, in a statement, said the state government, under the pretext of developing the tourist resorts at par with international standards, was simply planning a ''sell out''.

It vowed to defeat any attempt aimed at the ''sell out'' and appealed to the people to oppose the proposal ''tooth and nail''.

''We will not allow the sell out of our beautiful tourist spots.

We appeal to all the people to oppose such proposal,'' the Federation said, adding the politicians were misleading the people for their vested interests.

The Central Traders and Manufacturers Association has also called for ''Kashmir Bandh'' on Friday in protest against the sex scandal.

In a statement, the Association urged transporters, business community, government employees and educational institutions to make the shutdown a success.

It also asked the state government to expose the real culprits.

UNI AG HS VV1631