Tourism hit hard due to unrest in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, July 11 (ANI): Tourism has been hit hard in Jammu and Kashmir following the recent strikes, and imposition of curfew by the government.

Most of the tourists have left the valley and the ones who are still there, are facing problems like shortage of food and basic amenities as the shops are closed.

"Definitely we feel sad because there are lots of things not functioning. There is no much choice, shops are closed because of the strike and curfew," said Hemant Rathore, a tourist.

At present, tourist hubs like the Dal Lake are completely deserted, which has affected houseboat owners.

"Our 95 percent business is based on tourism. But because of the strike and curfew, tourist inflow has decreased; now, even if the curfew is removed our business will not happen till next year as the tourism season is over for us," said Tariq Ahmad, a houseboat owner.

The tourists who had their reservations made in advance are getting them cancelled, and the travel agents claim that if the situation persists then there would be no tourism left in the valley.

"The kind of unrest we have here, there will be no tourism left in Srinagar. Not only this year, even in the coming years nobody will come here if such a situation persists," said Muhammad Asif, a travel agent. (ANI)