SRINAGAR: The mayhem unleashed by the five grenade attacks in Srinagar on Tuesday is likely to give a severe jolt to the tourism industry as it was for the sixth time that militants had directly targeted tourists. The attacks evoked widespread condemnation from both mainstream and separatist political parties. Officials in the tourism department and traders are, however, confident that the blasts would not have much of an impact on the influx of tourists from outside the Valley.

Over 10,000 tourists from different parts of the country are presently in Kashmir. The panic among tourists was evident in Srinagar, even as many were enjoying in places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg.

"Yes, it has triggered panic and we are moving back," Rajesh Kumar, a tourist from Delhi, said. He had come with his family. Similarly,a few others from West Bengal have also decided to cancel the rest of their itinerary. But, there are also people like Akshay from Mumbai who said: "We will continue to stay here as long as we are not touched. This can happen in any part of the world."

Representatives of trade bodies and tourism department officials hurriedly convened a press conference, condemning the attacks.

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce vice-president Nazir Ahmad Dar, House Boat Owners Association president Aziz Tuman, Secretary of the tourism department Naeem Akhtar and Director of the department Farooq Ahmed Shah appealed the tourists to stay back in the Valley.

"We have the best security system in place in the Valley. But, terrorists are on the prowl and create disturbances," Mr. Akhtar said. Mr. Dar demanded a high-level probe into the attacks, saying that tourists had not been targeted even during the peak of militancy. "Why now, when tourism is back on rails," he asked. This was the sixth attack on tourists in the Valley since the beginning of this year's tourist season.

Widespread condemnation

Governor S. K. Sinha condemned the attack and said: "This barbaric act is an attack on the economy of the Valley."

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed deep shock over the loss of lives and said "perpetrators of violence would only invite people's wrath."

PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and party president Mehbooba Mufti expressed shock over the attacks. They said the elements behind such attacks wanted to sabotage the peace process. National Conference president Omar Abdullah also condemned the incident.

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