Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has made a passionate appeal before the top brass of the Union Government, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to gradually reduce the foot prints of the security forces.
He said that the move will make people feel the impact of the changed security scenario in the State. Large number of air travellers/tourists arriving in the State also joined chorus in demanding better facilities and hassle-free travel to give boost to the tourism in the State.
Though tourists relish the natures’ beauty and soak themselves in the serene environs across exotic tourist destinations but soon after landing here at Jammu airport and before boarding the flight they face numerous hardships in the name of strict security restrictions.
With lot of talk surrounding prevailing peace in the State many fresh arrivals and regular visitors have started raising their voice in support of hassle-free travel and less indulgence of security personnel in and around tourist places.
In keeping with the security needs only VVIP cavalcade of State Governor, Chief Minister, politicians enjoying security cover, State guests, bureaucrats and police officers enjoy smooth access inside the Airport. No private car or taxi carrying common passengers is permitted inside the airport premises thereby compounding their miseries.
On their arrival passengers get a rude shock as they are left with no choice but to drag their luggage right up to the entry and exit gate of the airport. Those who want to avail Taxi service face more hardships even after booking the same after making advance payment. Rush of drivers and absence of any public address system at the exit gate makes it a tedious process for the air travellers to locate the driver of the hired taxi.
In case the Taxi is parked at some distance from the exit gate of the airport the air travellers have to again drag their luggage up to the parked taxi on the airport road. To avoid haphazard parking of vehicles outside the exit gate traffic cops remain stationed there and spend most of the time clearing the rush of tourists to make way for the VVIPs’ enjoying joy rides on board beacon fitted official cars and SUV’s.
Meanwhile, with municipal elections in the state likely to be held next month, Valley’s tourism fraternity has urged the government to postpone the elections till the fag end of the year.
According to the tourism players the month of May is the peak season for them and holding elections at that time would affect their prospective business opportunities.
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