Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party on Wednesday accused the administration of neglecting the tourist destination of Yousmarg and demanded restoration of basic facilities, including improved road connectivity and telecommunication services.
A party delegation led by Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari visited Yousmarg, where local traders associated with the tourism sector apprised the leaders of various issues affecting the destination and their livelihoods.
According to the party, a delegation comprising local shopkeepers, hoteliers, restaurant owners and pony walas told the visiting leaders that continued official restrictions and poor infrastructure had adversely affected tourism in the area, leaving more than 700 families dependent on tourism-related activities in distress.
The delegation alleged that following the terror attack in Pahalgam last year, Yousmarg was closed along with several other tourist destinations and, despite reopening later, restrictions have continued.
The traders claimed that business establishments are being asked to shut as early as 3 pm and said the absence of mobile towers in the area has left tourists unable to access telecommunication services, make online payments or use ATM facilities.
They also highlighted the poor condition of the road leading to Yousmarg and alleged that restrictions on pony operators from taking tourists to nearby spots had affected their livelihood.
A separate delegation from Charar-i-Sharief also met the Apni Party leadership and raised various public grievances and civic issues.
Responding to the concerns, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari assured the delegations that the party would take up the matter with the government and seek resolution of the issues raised.
He said the party would press the authorities to lift unnecessary restrictions, improve the road network, ensure proper mobile connectivity and provide other facilities required to revive tourism in Yousmarg.
Among those accompanying Bukhari were Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Parliamentary Affairs Committee chairman Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Vice President Javaid Mustafa Mir, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir and other senior party leaders.
