It is quite intriguing that despite tourism being one of the mainstays of the economy in Jammu and Kashmir, the poll manifestos of the major political parties have missed this vital sector badly showing disinterest of the leadership of these parties which is tirelessly boasting and promising stars and moon to electorate these days viz election season.
Historically, during the days when J&K was a state and places except the Valley used to raise voice against the hegemony of Kashmiri leadership, which ruled the region for most of the time, claiming that those sitting at helm adopt a lopsided attitude towards promoting tourism in Jammu and Ladakh regions. This accusation to a large extent was true also because despite having many natural bounties, scenic landscapes, religious destinations, rich heritage and what not, the regions both Jammu and Ladakh used to struggle to get their due as far as the tourism sector was considered.
After the changes made in August 2019 by the central government, it was expected that from now onwards Jammu will get rid of the prejudice of the helmsmen as Ladakh was carved out to become a Union Territory. But looking at the attitude of almost all political parties which are relying on guarantying freebies to electorate to get their government installed in J&K with no mention of enhancing tourism by exploiting the potential of this sector in Jammu Province or even improving the same in Valley also tells about the sordid tale of affairs of the leaders, who seem to be only interested in getting power through a system similar to barter system of the ancient times where things were exchanged to keep the business running.
In the present context, the political parties are also not interested in taking things of relevance seriously as they seem to be more interested in giving material things to the voters and wooing them without much effort.
As tourism is the major sector for income, and job creation, it is right time that the people should ask their representatives to come clear on the issue because today the time has changed and only natural beauty of a region is not enough to woo visitors rather the helmsmen need to develop state of art infrastructure besides providing world class facilities and services. Still there is time for the political parties to revisit this issue and come clear.
