Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – The Apni Party has voiced strong criticism against the administration, alleging significant neglect of the popular tourist destination Yousmarg. Party leaders, including its president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, met with local traders and tourism stakeholders in the area who detailed a series of issues hindering the sector’s revival.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that a delegation comprising shopkeepers, hoteliers, restaurant owners, and pony operators met with Apni Party officials on Wednesday. They informed the party leaders that administrative apathy has severely impacted tourism, effectively making Yousmarg a ‘no-go area’ for visitors and consequently affecting over 700 families dependent on tourism-related businesses.
The visiting delegation explained that following a militant attack in Pahalgam in April of the previous year, Yousmarg, like other tourist spots, was closed. Even after reopening, stringent restrictions have reportedly been imposed, compelling traders to close their businesses by 3 PM. Compounding these issues is the lack of telecommunication towers, rendering mobile phone services non-functional. This absence of reliable communication prevents tourists from utilizing online payment methods or ATMs, further discouraging visits.
Traders also highlighted the dilapidated condition of the road leading to Yousmarg, attributing it to sheer neglect. They further noted that restrictions prevent pony walas from taking visitors to adjacent areas, significantly impacting their livelihoods. Despite repeated appeals to concerned authorities, the delegation stated that their concerns have largely gone unaddressed.
The delegation urged Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other prominent Apni Party leaders to leverage their influence to ensure Yousmarg receives the necessary attention and facilities to rejuvenate its tourism potential. They emphasized the need for official intervention to overcome the current challenges.
Responding to the grievances, Apni Party leaders assured the delegation that they would raise these matters with the government at the highest level. They pledged to advocate for the provision of essential facilities to support the development of the tourist destination and ensure that the issues brought forward are brought to the attention of the relevant authorities.
Prominent Apni Party leaders who were present during the interaction included Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Chairman of the party’s Parliamentary Affairs Committee Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, Additional General Secretary Hilal Ahmad Shah, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiudin, State Youth President Yawar Dilawar Mir, State Secretary Organisation Dr Harbaksh Singh, District President Budgam Advocate Owais Ashraf Shah, Provincial Secretary Kashmir Fahad Andrabi, Provincial Joint Secretary Kashmir Sajad Ahmad Dar, Senior Vice President Budgam Mukhtar Ahmad Dar, and Senior Leader Mir Imaad.
The Chenab Times News Desk
