Impact of turmoil and peace on tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir

Kashmir has often been compared with heaven on earth. It is most attractive destination for tourists not only in India but all over the world because of lush green valley, pleasant climate, Snow-capped Mountains, sweat springs, green meadows. While as places like Gulmarg, Phalgam, Dal Lake, Wular Lake are worth seeing tourist spots in the valley. Besides these, Shri Mata Vashino Devi, Amar Mahal place, Ragunath Temple are most attractive tourist's destination in Jammu region. Ladakh is no less important when it comes to the question of Tourism in J&K. Tourism tag has always placed state of J&K in the limelight of national as well as international scene. Efforts have been made to increase arrival of tourists in the state. However, state has witnessed ups & downs in the last thirty years of turmoil. The start of armed struggle in mid-80’s created the sense of fear both within the state as well outside. The state saw worst days in its history and tourism industry was greatly harmed by both armed struggle as well as by counter operations by security forces. There was hardly any tourist who would visit the state particularly valley of Kashmir once lauded as heaven on earth. However, it was only in recent last decade when state saw its revival phenomena of tourist industry. But with the growing violence and turmoil in the Kashmir since 2008 once again have put this industry in backseats. In this background this paper will examine the phenomenal increase and decrease of tourists in the time of turmoil and peace in Jammu& Kashmir. Besides, paper will also try to examine the impact of tourism in shaping the peace and prosperity of the state.