Locals feeling unsafe, how can we convince tourists?: Tourism Body

Already hit by nose-dive in tourist arrivals to Kashmir, people associated with the tourism industry now fear that the growing incidents of braid chopping and attacks on people suspected as braid choppers might “deepen the negative perception about the Valley among the prospective tourists.”
On Friday, the heads of at least eight tourism organisations met Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and urged her to “take steps” to stop braid chopping incidents, stating that the “constant fear in the air is set to cast a shadow on winter tourism in Kashmir.”
A source said that presidents and chairmen of various organisations met the Chief Minister to discuss ways to revive tourism, but braid chopping was among “most urgent issues” discussed in the meeting.
The delegation included heads of Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association, J&K Tourism Alliance, J&K Pilgrim and Leisure Tour Operators Forum, Travel Trade Interest Guild, Domestic Tour Operators Association of Kashmir, Travel Agents Association of India, J&K Chapter and Indian Association of Tour Operators, J&K Chapter.
Shamim Shah, chairman TAAI, J&K Chapter told Kashmir Post that the travel and trade players, apart from discussing other issues related to the tourism, also highlighted the “negative impact which braid chopping is leading to.”
“We urged the Chief Minister to bring culprits to book and told her that we as locals are feeling unsafe, so how can we convince tourists to visit Kashmir. We told her that this menace is creating a negative perception outside among prospective tourists. The Chief Minister agreed that braid chopping is a serious issue and things which should not have happened are taking place,” Shah said.
He said that the delegation informed the Chief Minister that Diwali holiday season is approaching fast and the government must take steps to ensure that “conducive atmosphere” is created to welcome tourists.
“Tourist inquiries are gradually picking up and it is the state government that needs to nip the menace of braid chopping in the bud now. If not addressed, it will add to the negative perception,” Shah said.
President, Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK) Ibrahim Siah said that the Chief Minister “was equally concerned” about the situation. “She has assured us that her government will identify the braid choppers and nab them,” he said.
Siah said that tourists confirm bookings after only after getting assurances from the travel agents about their safety.
“The flow of tourists is very less at present but people we are looking forward to receive might their plans on hearing about incidents like braid chopping in Kashmir and then attacks on innocents by people mistaken as culprits,” Siah said.
The delegation also handed over a memorandum to the Chief Minister enlisting various measures that could help boost the overall tourism industry.