JAMMU, Jun 9: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) District Jammu South Media Secretary Rohiin Chandan today strongly criticized the National Conference (NC) government for its alleged discriminatory policies towards the Jammu region, particularly in the vital sector of tourism. Chandan asserted that the NC-led administration is treating Jammu like a stepchild, resulting in the systematic neglect of its rich tourist destinations and near-total collapse of tourism-related economic activities.
Issuing a press note, Chandan stated that despite Jammu’s immense potential, tourist spots across the region remain underdeveloped and poorly promoted. “The tourist destinations of Jammu are undeveloped, causing tourism to be almost nil,” he said. He accused the Tourism Department of consistently discriminating against Jammu and playing with the sentiments of the local population. “The Tourism Department has consistently discriminated against Jammu, manipulated the sentiments of its general populace, and will continue to do so if immediate corrective measures are not taken,” Chandan added.
Highlighting the economic fallout, Chandan emphasized that promoting tourism in Jammu is essential for generating revenue and creating much-needed employment opportunities for the youth of the region. “The people of Jammu have always been discriminated against. For this, the government should take some such steps, and the Tourism Department should do something so that employment opportunities increase in Jammu,” he demanded. He urged the Omar Abdullah government to immediately initiate concrete measures to boost tourism infrastructure and marketing efforts focused on the Jammu region.
Chandan pointed out that Jammu has consistently faced discrimination in practice, particularly under the National Conference government, which has denied the region its due rights. As a result, Jammu’s tourism sector has lagged far behind and deteriorated significantly over the years. “Jammu region offers a rich blend of spiritual pilgrimages, historical palaces, and scenic hill stations,” he noted, listing prominent attractions that have been neglected by successive governments.
The BJP leader highlighted key destinations including Bhaderwah, Patnitop, Sanasar, Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-Bahu, Mubarak Mandi, Akhnoor Fort, Bhimgarh Fort, Amar Mahal Museum, Raghunath Temple, PeerKho, Mansar and Surinsar Lakes, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary, and numerous other pristine locations. These sites possess unparalleled potential to attract both domestic and international tourists, offering a perfect mix of spirituality, heritage, adventure, and natural beauty.
“These places in the Jammu region have always been neglected by previous governments,” Chandan lamented. He stressed that developing these tourist spots would not only generate substantial revenue for the Union Territory but also provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to thousands of local residents, including youth, guides, hoteliers, transporters, and artisans. “The places of Jammu should be developed so that they can contribute to development and take the country forward,” he said.
He urged the NC government to take an inclusive approach to tourism development in the Jammu region. Chandan stated that Jammu deserves a fair share of tourism benefits, asserting that equitable development is essential for the Union Territory’s progress. He called on all stakeholders—local representatives, tourism players, and the public—to unite in advocating for Jammu’s tourism potential and expressed optimism that effective government policies could help make Jammu a significant tourism hub.