Srinagar, September 12 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Front (JKPDF) president and former Cabinet Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Saturday urged the administration not to limit Kashmir’s tourism activity to only three destinations, saying places such as Tosamaidan, Yousmarg, Doodhpathri and other alpine areas must also be opened to promote tourism and protect the livelihoods of local people.

His remarks came as dozens of political workers and activists from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined the JKPDF in his presence in Khag block of Central Kashmir,'s Budgam . Various delegations also called on Hakeem and raised concerns over the continued closure of several tourism destinations and its impact on local employment and businesses.

Speaking on the occasion, Hakeem said the organisation of international events such as the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir was a positive development and could help boost tourism in the Valley.

“It is our good fortune that international events like the film festival are being held in Kashmir. Such initiatives are a positive step and can help increase tourism. But unfortunately, many of our major tourism destinations continue to remain closed, directly affecting the livelihood and employment of local people,” he said.

Hakeem said tourism activity should not remain concentrated around Gulmarg, SKICC and Dal Lake while other scenic destinations remain inaccessible.

“We have limited our tourism to Gulmarg, SKICC and Dal Lake, while the rest of the destinations are closed.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis has a negative impact on Kashmir and the people dependent on tourism,” he said.

He said the closure of destinations was directly affecting people dependent on tourism-related activities, including pony owners, shopkeepers, guides, transporters and other local businesses.

“Horse owners are sitting idle, shopkeepers are losing business and people associated with tourism are becoming hopeless. At a time when we want to increase employment, keeping these places closed adds to the unemployment rate and affects the local economy,” Hakeem said.

He appealed to the administration to review the situation and reopen tourism destinations wherever security and other conditions permit.

“While we are projecting Kashmir as a tourist destination, keeping several important places closed sends a negative message. The administration should review the situation and reopen these destinations so that tourism benefits people across the Valley,” he said.

Hakeem particularly called for consideration of reopening Tosamaidan, Yousmarg, Doodhpathri and other suitable alpine tourism destinations, saying a wider tourism circuit would create more employment opportunities and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local communities across the Valley.

He said expanding tourism beyond the three established destinations would support local businesses and provide greater economic opportunities to people dependent on the sector.(KNS)