The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been promoting a narrative of resurgence, highlighting a boom in tourism as a hallmark of normalcy post-abrogation.
Locals in the tourism sector question whether the influx of visitors has translated into meaningful economic benefits. (Photo Credit: Junaid Dar)
Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a significant political moment as voters head to the polls for the first assembly elections in a decade, marking the first legislative elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Spanning three phases from September 18 to October 1, this election reflects a critical shift in the region’s governance and political landscape as regional parties have attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for abrogating Article 370.
The BJP has been promoting a narrative of resurgence, highlighting a boom in tourism as a hallmark of normalcy post-abrogation. Official data reports over 53.8 lakh tourists visiting Kashmir in the last two years, with 27.1 lakh arrivals in 2023 alone, a significant increase from previous years. The government has emphasised the safety of key tourist destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam.
However, local stakeholders express scepticism regarding the reported tourism growth. Bashir Ahmad, a Shikara owner on Dal Lake, asserts that while violence may have decreased, fears of terror persist. He explains that negative perceptions stemming from attacks in Jammu deter potential visitors. “People outside don’t realize that Jammu and Kashmir are far apart; an attack in one affects the other’s tourism,” he said.
Bashir, like many other people associated with the tourism sector, wants complete peace for the sustainability of tourist flow. “We have received the scars of conflict our survival is becoming difficult. We have taken loans from banks by mortgaging our house. And if we fail to repay, we will lose shelter,” Bashir said while sitting on the banks of Dal Lake.
“We want peace that is everlasting. We have seen a huge bloodshed. Both India and Pakistan should come to a table to resolve this issue. We are becoming a fodder for politicians in both the countries. Our miseries are sold and no one is showing any seriousness to our issues” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during recent campaign rallies in Doda and Srinagar, reinforced the BJP’s commitment to transforming J&K into a “terror-free paradise” and a global film destination. Despite the optimistic projections, locals in the tourism sector question whether the influx of visitors has translated into meaningful economic benefits. Many argue that while tourist numbers have risen, the associated jobs and overall economic growth have not followed suit.
Ab Majeed, a local hotelier, noted a rising unemployment rate and argued that the tourism sector is being overemphasized to mask broader economic issues. “While tourism is crucial, it can’t be the sole lifeline. We need to diversify,” he remarked. Another houseboat owner, preferring anonymity, expressed concerns about increasing drug abuse and unemployment, questioning the effectiveness of the BJP’s strategies. “Tourism has improved, but it’s primarily used as propaganda. Real issues remain unaddressed,” he stated.
In a bid to establish a foothold in the Kashmir Valley, the BJP has fielded only 19 candidates in the region, leaving many seats unfilled for potential allies. This election is pivotal for the party, which has struggled to gain traction in a historically resistant political landscape. Yet, some party candidates, like Javaid Qadri from Shopian, remain optimistic, claiming, “We’ve improved the tourism sector; it’s the first step toward peaceful progress.”
Despite the BJP’s claims of progress, the political atmosphere remains charged. As the region is preparing for the second phase of the election, the true impact of tourism growth and government policies on the daily lives of Kashmiris continues to be a contentious issue.
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