Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Kashmir Valley, with a pronounced stress on tourism promotion, has ignited a debate surrounding the internationally disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, despite some tourism projects inaugurated by Modi during his visit, Jammu and Kashmir remains a longstanding bone of contention between Pakistan and India, and the two countries have fought some wars on the issue.
Critics denounce Modi’s tourism narrative as a misguided endeavor, deeming it insensitive in the presence of the enduring Kashmir conflict. They contend that promoting tourism in a disputed territory risks exacerbating hostilities rather than fostering peace.
“Tourism thrives in tranquil environs,” asserts a senior APHC leader, cautioning against the veneer of progress amid military occupation.
While the Modi government is persistent in its bid to resuscitate Kashmir’s tourism sector, the road ahead is fraught with challenges as long as the region remains embroiled in territorial disputes.—KMS
