Srinagar, October 18 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused the Lieutenant Governor’s administration of hurting the tourism industry by keeping several tourist areas closed to visitors.

Speaking to a KNS correspondent, Abdullah said the elected government is working hard to promote tourism, but the unelected administration is doing the opposite by restricting access to many places. He said this has reduced tourist arrivals and hurt local livelihoods.

“We are trying to boost tourism even though we face criticism for doing too much. Millions of people in Jammu and Kashmir depend on tourism for their income. We want it to return to the level it was before the Pahalgam attack,” Abdullah said.

He acknowledged that the central government has supported tourism efforts, but said there is a lack of coordination in the Jammu and Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“The truth is that we are speaking in two different voices within Jammu and Kashmir. On one side, the elected government is promoting tourism. On the other side, the unelected administration has closed many areas,” he said.

Abdullah urged the administration to reopen all closed tourist spots. “In the past 35 years, even during the peak of militancy, we never shut down places like Dhrang, Doodhpathri, or the upper areas of Gulmarg and Aharbal. Now we must show courage and reopen them,” he said.

The reopening these areas would remove confusion and help fully promote Jammu and Kashmir as a tourist destination, he added.(KNS)