About 9000 tourists arrive in Kashmir in past two days

Srinagar, May 28: Despite recent militant attacks, tourists from across the country and the world are flocking to the Kashmir valley with nearly 9,000 arrivals being recorded in the past two two days, official sources said today.

They said while about 4500 tourists reached here yesterday, more than 4100 arrivals were recorded on Friday, a day after four young visitors from Gujarat were killed in an explosion on the outskirts of the Srinagar city.

The sources said over the past few days, a heavy influx of tourists to the Kashmir valley has been witnessed and almost all hotels and houseboats have reported 100 per cent bookings.

The attacks on tourists have evoked widespread condemnation even from the militant outfits and the separatist outfits.

Talking to UNI, Director Tourism Farooq Ahmed Shah said there was no decline in the inflow of tourists to Kashmir after the attack and all the arrivals were going on as per the schedule.

''There is no scare among the tourists. There have been no cancellations so far. As per our reports, Gulmarg and Pahalgam besides all other tourist resorts have witnessed a heavy rush of visitors during the past few days,'' he added.

Mr Shah said the tourists were feeling comfortable here and enjoying the pleasant weather conditions. ''Such incidents can happen anywhere in the world and should not deter tourists from visiting Kashmir,'' he added.

Keeping in view the heavy rush of visitors, Mr Shah said the tourism department decided to open the all the places of recreation throughout the week even the Gondola cable car in the world famous ski resort of Gulmarg will now remain open on Mondays.

Hotel and Restaurant Association President H U Mir told UNI that as of date, there has been no cancellation.

He condemned the recent attacks on tourists in the strongest terms, saying it was a ''big tragedy''.

''Such incidents do affect tourism a lot. We are as of now adopting a wait and watch policy. Let us see what happens in the coming days. But, I must congratulate the visitors for showing exemplary courage and despite all odds deciding to stay put in Kashmir,'' Mr Mir said.

Houseboat Owners Association President Mohammad Azim Tuman echoed similar views. ''There have been no cancellations. The flights are full and so are the buses,'' he added.

A manager of Sheraz Travels also said that they have received no cancellation so far. ''All flights are full for coming ten days,'' he added.

In a joint statement here, Travel Agents Society of Kashmir, Travel Agents Association of India (Jammu and Kashmir chapter), Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Federation and Houseboat Owners Association appealed to all to protect the tourists. ''We humbly appeal to each and every citizen to play a role to protect and safeguard the tourists and the tourism industry as a whole,'' they said.

Majority of the people in the Valley were dependent on tourism and as such this vital industry needs to be safeguarded, the statement added.

While serious concerns have been expressed from various quarters about the safety of tourists in Kashmir in the wake of recent attacks, the visitors seem to be undeterred by such incidents.

''You show us any place in the world which is safe. A bomb explosion or an accident can take place anywhere.... Kashmir is no exception,'' said a honeymoon couple of Gujarat.

Niranjan Meharana and Anuradha of Baroda got married less than a month ago and the first destination that came to their mind for honeymoon was Kashmir.

''Both of us decided to visit Kashmir to see the Paradise on Earth for our honeymoon. But, we decided to keep it a secret as otherwise our families would not have allowed us to visit the place,'' said Niranjan who works with a multi-national company.

The couple arrived here on May 24, but were taken aback to see the Srinagar city under siege.

''Immediate on our arrival here, we thought curfew had been imposed in Srinagar. We asked the taxi driver and he told us that the security has been tightened as Prime Minister Manomhan Singh was here for the round-table conference...And then for two days, we really had a tough time,'' he said.

His wife Anuradha, a teacher, was angry over the fact that such a conference should not have been held in Kashmir at this time of the year as this was the peak tourist season in the Valley.

''I don't think there was any need to hold such a conference here. It could have been organised in any part of the country. It was not required at all. What do you say? she countered.

Niranjan said the people's anger against the authorities was justified. ''Those related to tourism are entirely dependant on these three-four months. After that the season is over. So, they try to earn their livelihood during this period only,'' he added.

About the situation following the recent attacks on tourists, the Gujarati couple said no place in the world was safe. ''We hear about such incidents happening almost everyday in one part of the world or other. Kashmir is no exception,'' Niranjan and Anuradha both said in one voice. However, they had a piece of advice for the media here. ''Please give correct information. A lot depends on what you write or show.

The flow of information is there in Kashmir, but I am sorry to say that most of the time it is lacking in facts,'' Anuradha said.

Niranjan said the tourists come on their own risk and responsibility and spend good money to have a quality time here.

''Why should anybody feel scared here. Tourists are fully aware of the situation prevailing in Kashmir and decide to visit the place only after taking all pros and cons into consideration,'' he added.

Anuradha said a person should have a strong belief in God and be ready for death all the time. ''Till then be positive and enjoy every moment of life,'' she said smilingly.

H B Patel, who is leading a group of 25 tourists from Mumbai, said the relatives back home were worried after the recent incident.

''But, we call them up regularly and inform about our well-being.

These incidents don't matter at all. All of us know that we have come to a place where violence can take place anytime. So, why be scared. Let us enjoy this beautiful place on Earth,'' he said.

Patel said he is originally from Bhuj in Gujarat and a large number of people died there due to earthquake in 2001.

''The tragedy is still fresh in our minds. The people didn't die of violence there. It was a natural calamity. So, one can die of anything,'' he added.

A couple from Kolkata, unmindful of the recent escalation of violence in Kashmir, lamented there was no snowfall in Kashmir at this time of the year.

''We would have loved the snowfall. Anyway, rains in the evening will compensate that,'' said S K Roy, a West Bengal government employee.

His wife Sharmila said the place is so beautiful that one forgets the violence part and enjoys the nature and the pleasant weather.

UNI