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…