High-level probe sought into attacks

Srinagar, June 5: The tour and travel operators in Kashmir today demanded a high-level probe into the recent wave of attacks on tourists in the Valley, and urged the government to take effective measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Addressing a joint news conference here, the operators expressed the hope that the tourism industry, hit hard by these attacks, would soon see a revival and the visitors will once again head for Kashmir to enjoy their holidays in the Valley.

Representatives of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Houseboat Owners Association, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association, Travel Agents Society of Kashmir, Travel Agents Association of India (Kashmir Chapter), Taxi Owners Association, Shikara Owners Association, Gulmarg Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association and Pahalgam Hotel and Restaurant Association were present at the news conference.

The operators admitted that several cancellations had been reported after the fresh attacks on tourists.

At least 31 tourists from West Bengal were wounded in grenade attacks on two buses in Dalgate area here on May 31. One of the tourists later succumbed to wounds in the hospital on Friday.

On May 25, four tourists from Gujarat were killed and six injured in a similar attack at Batapora, Zakura on the city outskirts.

In two other incidents last month, a tourist and a local driver were killed at Soura on the city outskirts and a dozen visitors wounded in separate grenade attacks in the summer capital and at world famous resort of Pahalgam.

At the news conference, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association president Habibullah Mir said the second round-table conference here on May 24-25 had badly affected the tourist arrivals in Kashmir.

''Prior to the round-table, the hotels and guest houses had recorded 100 per cent occupancy and there were full bookings for at least three months,'' he added.

They said the people associated with the tourism industry were making all-out efforts to convince the tourists to visit Kashmir.

''We are continuing with our efforts to impress upon the tourists to have confidence in us and visit Kashmir. We are of the firm belief that tourists are our valued guests,'' KCCI president Rouf Punjabi said.

He said elaborate arrangements had already been made in Srinagar, Sonamarg and Pahalgam for the Amarnath pilgrims.

''We can offer more accommodation to the pilgrims,'' Mr Mir added.

On trade via the Line of Control (LoC), Mr Punjabi said they had suggested to the government to allow exchange of delegations from both sides. ''But, nothing has been done in this regard so far. We had completed the requisite papers for issuance of travel documents to a team of Kashmiri businessmen. We are awaiting the travel permits,'' he added.

UNI