Hakeem Yaseen Flags Alleged Money Collection in the Name of Reopening Tourist Spots, Seeks Probe
Tanveer Hussain
Jammu, Dec 14, Kashmir Crux
President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Sunday alleged that certain individuals are collecting money from the public on the pretext of facilitating the reopening of tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, terming the matter serious and alarming.
Addressing a convention at Khag Budgam, Yaseen urged the government and the Lieutenant Governor to order a thorough investigation into the issue and take strict legal action against those found involved. He cautioned people against falling prey to such practices, asserting that the reopening of tourist destinations lies solely within the government’s jurisdiction and that no private individual has any authority in this regard.
“People should not give money to anyone in the name of reopening tourist spots. This is the responsibility of the government, and exploiting public desperation is unacceptable,” he said.
The PDF chief said the prolonged closure of several tourist destinations has severely affected the livelihoods of thousands of people associated with the tourism sector, including hoteliers, pony owners, guides, shopkeepers, and daily wage earners. He added that families dependent on tourism are facing acute economic distress due to the continued restrictions.
Yaseen urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to immediately lift the ban on tourist activities at destinations such as Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan. He said that keeping these areas closed for an extended period sends a negative signal and further deepens the economic crisis faced by locals dependent on tourism-related activities.
He appealed to the administration to strike a balance between security considerations and livelihood concerns and to take urgent steps to restore normal tourism activities in a phased and regulated manner.
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