Srinagar: National Conference leader Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has voiced serious concerns over multiple pressing issues impacting Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, from the deterioration of local journalism to the unregulated growth of tourism.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mehdi, who serves as a member of the Indian Parliament from Srinagar, criticized the policies of the Modi government that he argues have significantly affected independent journalism in the region. He accused these policies of undermining the media’s ability to operate freely and fairly.
Mehdi also raised issues about the exploitation of Kashmir’s cultural heritage, expressing fears over the appropriation of local traditions and the erosion of the region’s cultural identity. He emphasized the urgent need to protect these cultural assets to maintain the distinctiveness of Kashmiri heritage.
Additionally, Mehdi addressed the environmental and social impacts of the tourism sector, advocating for stringent regulatory measures. He suggested implementing a cap on the number of tourists to preserve the region’s fragile ecology and mitigate negative effects such as public alcohol consumption, which clashes with local customs and practices.
The discussion extended to broader concerns such as high unemployment rates and the need for strategies that foster sustainable development to secure the future of Kashmir’s economy and environment.