J&K requires massive, rich tourist infrastructure to compete globally

*Hartals and shutdowns responsible for economic recession of individual Kashmiri

*After 20 yrs of occupancy by security forces, Nigeen Club echoes with Sheikh-ul-Alams sacred qalam

Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah expressed his happiness when, after 20 years of occupation by security forces, the Nigeen Club, having heritage value, was taken over by the State government and inaugurated today. The inauguration started with the sacred Sofiyana Qalam of great Sufi saint, Sheikh-ul-Alam Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA).

Minister for Tourism Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, MLAs, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani and Peer Afaq, besides people from all sections of society, KCCI, FCCI, Houseboat Owners, Tour and Travel Operators Association and former members of the Nigeen Club were present on the occasion.

In his inaugural address at the decorated Hall of the historic Nigeen Club, renovated by Tourism Department, Mr. Abdullah said time has come for lakhs of people connected with tourism sector to ponder over the fact that because of hartal politics it is common Kashmiri is continuously suffering and deprived of his bread and butter and this negative tendency has given nothing to him. He said everybody regrets that tourism in J&K state, particularly Kashmir, that once remained the only hub of tourists, today, in spite of government efforts being made to attract tourists to Kashmir, is being ruined by day-to-day hartals and stray protests created by vested elements, which make tourists to flee from this paradise.

The Chief Minister said that it is not government who takes taxes from the tourists but it is a common man including hoteliers, houseboat owners, shikara wallas, venders, shopkeepers, and artisans who were the real beneficiaries of their massive arrival and with the creation of hostile atmosphere, they only suffer. He said during last several years, heavy losses have been inflicted on this industry which was once economic edifice of lakhs of people connected with this trade.

Mr. Abdullah said his government will not restrict only taking over Nigeen Club but will also very soon get all hotels and huts vacated by the security forces. He asked Mr. Jora to make alternate arrangements for those who are occupying TDC huts so that these huts are upgraded to international standards. He said unless we are able to create maximum, better and globally-competitive rich infrastructure for tourists and also usher the State towards peace and tranquility, our all endeavors to attract tourists to the State shall yield no results. He said we should learn from Mauritius, Malaysia, Dubai and UAE how they have been able to make available basic infrastructure to the tourists in their countries at the tourist destinations of the world. He said no doubt we should not imitate Western culture of US and UK, but at the same time, we can present our rich culture in the same manner as United Arab Emirates and other countries are presenting in order to lure tourists of the world and project highest order of our great civilization. God has bestowed us with heavenly beauty like green pastures, lakes, rivers and streams, but we are unfortunate not to make use of this Gods gift and blessings which we have put to shambles, said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister expressed his determination to bring people out of this confusion which is being deliberately created, particularly during summer months, to shatter the economy and livelihood of the people. He said our climatic condition is such that people connected with tourism earn only for three months and spend it for the whole year. Some negative elements, which, for reasons best known to them, create problems during peak season thus depriving the people from their natural right of earning.

He complimented the Tourism Minister, Director, Tourism and others for renovating Nigeen Club and hoped that it will become an attraction for the tourists. He impressed upon the management to maintain top standard of facilities available in the Club

Later, speaking to the media about Baramulla incident, the Chief Minister said he has extreme regret for the loss of precious lives and advised media to themselves investigate the antecedents of the couple so that people understand the realities about them.

Earlier, Minister for Tourism, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora while welcoming the Chief Minister, MLAs and other guests, spelled out several schemes in pipeline for promoting tourism in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

MLA, Hazratbal, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal complemented the government for renovating this historic Nigeen Club and hoped this important tourism sector will receive more impetus.