"Anupam Mittal Reserves Seat on Srinagar Flight Following Pahalgam Terror Incident: "Motivated Not by Bravery, But to...""
In the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy, Kashmir's tourism sector's struggle has been palpable as empty hotels and houseboats echo a grim reality. Amid this turbulent scene, entrepreneur Anupam Mittal of Shaadi.com fame has taken a courageous stance. Taking to LinkedIn, he shared images of his flight tickets to Kashmir, urging others to back Kashmir's tourism industry in these challenging times.
"Following India's robust response to Pakistan, let's not overlook the Kashmiris. It's the very Kashmir, where tea-sellers saw their monthly income skyrocket from Rs 5,000 to a daily Rs 5,000 due to booming tourism...now faces canceled trips, deserted hotels, and a resurgence of fear and uncertainty," Mr. Mittal wrote in his passionate post.
"Joining this fight against the weighty burden of fear, I booked my tickets for Kashmir, along with my family," he added.
Encouraging others to visit responsibly, he emphasized the role of tourists in securing the financial lifeline of local businesses and vendors. "The fate of Kashmir's economy hangs in the balance - if fear wins, the sacrifice of those in Pahalgam will be in vain."
In conclusion, Mr. Mittal urged, "As we salute our armed forces, let's not forget the people who bear the brunt of such unfortunate incidents. Stand beside us, Kashmir."
Reactions across social media have been mixed with some lauding his effort, while others found the initiative irresponsible and theatrical.
"Bravo, Mr. Mittal! Your post was a breath of fresh air amidst all the hate-mongering noise. Keep up the brilliant work!" showered one user.
"My family got stranded in Kashmir during the attacks, but we chose to finish our trip and support local vendors. It's the right thing to do," shared another.
On the flip side, some users critiqued the idea as reckless and against common sense. "To push normalcy recklessly, especially if you're not invested there, is folly. It could risk our and our family members' lives."
"The right way to help Kashmir is by supporting it from afar, not by putting our lives on the line," mused another user.
Suggestions for safer and more effective forms of assistance poured in, as well. "I believe in helping Kashmir; perhaps now isn't the best time to travel due to potential roadblocks and attraction closures."
The aftermath of the Pahalgam attack not only bears upon Kashmir's tourism sector, but also weighs heavily on its economy, relying on over 1,500 houseboats, more than 3,000 hotel rooms, and numerous small businesses like taxi operators and craft sellers. In terms of safety, the targeted attack on tourists has intensified concerns, slowly eroding the narrative of harmony that Kashmir has been trying to promote.
- Amidst the hostility in the political landscape, the economy of Kashmir, heavily dependent on tourism, is facing a critical battle.
- Surprisingly, in the midst of this struggle, social media is abuzz with debates about the actions of entrepreneur Anupam Mittal, who has voiced his support for Kashmir's tourism industry amid war-and-conflicts.
- While some believe his initiative to visit Kashmir and invest in local businesses is a noble act of solidarity, others consider it reckless and irresponsible, particularly with the ongoing threats to travelers in the region.
- As efforts continue to boost Kashmir's tourism sector, the focus has shifted towards exploring safer and more effective methods of assistance, avoiding any unnecessary risks to travelers and local Kashmiris alike.
