“Show Mercy, Let Hope Live”: Dr Farooq Abdullah Bats for Struggling Tour Operators at Baba Nagri Shrine

‘Statehood must be restored so that MLAs can fulfill promises’

Diplomat Correspondent

Ganderbal, (DD):Under the dappled shade of ancient chinars at the sacred Baba Nagri shrine, the air carried both reverence and resolve on Sunday as veteran leader Dr Farooq Abdullah made an emotional appeal for the unsung heroes of Kashmir’s tourism industry — the shikara-wallahs, pony owners, and small-time tour operators.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 129th Urs of Hazrat Nizamuddin Kiyanvi (RA), Dr Abdullah called upon banks and the Union Government to show mercy to those who had taken loans to buy vehicles, ponies, and shikaras — now left idle in the wake of the downturn in tourism following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

“These are not just livelihoods, these are lifelines. The men who row our tourists across Dal Lake, who guide them up pony trails in Pahalgam, they have families and dreams too,” said Dr Abdullah, visibly moved. “They took loans not for luxury, but for survival. Now, when visitors have stopped coming, how can we ask them to pay installments?”

He urged banks not to press these borrowers for repayments right now and instead demonstrate compassion. “I have requested Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up this issue directly with the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The revival of tourism will ensure these loans are repaid — but for now, let hope live.”

The former CM also used the occasion to renew his longstanding demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “Only an elected assembly can fulfill the promises made to the people. The Centre must restore our dignity,” he said, drawing applause from the gathered devotees.

Amid soulful recitations and the fragrance of incense, Dr Abdullah offered prayers for peace and the return of better days. “May the land of sufis and saints once again echo with the laughter of tourists, the chants of pilgrims, and the songs of our people,” he said, hands raised in dua.

The April attack in Pahalgam not only claimed innocent lives but delivered a fresh blow to an already fragile sector. Since then, hoteliers, guides, and craftsmen across Kashmir have reported massive cancellations. The ripple effect has touched every corner of the Valley.

At Baba Nagri, however, faith and resilience were on full display — and in Dr Farooq’s words, a timely reminder that mercy, like prayer, has the power to heal(DD)