Jammu: The extended polls in Jammu and Kashmir being held in seven phases has given hoteliers and guest house owners a big reason to smile in the picturesque town of Bhaderwah. The reason being that the hotel industry had suffered a major slump following the Amarnath land row issue.
Now, during election time, hotels and guest houses are said to be in great demand.
Bhaderwah is also known as Chota Kashmir (Little Kashmir) because of its scenic beauty and snow-clad mountains.
The accelerated demand for hotels and guest houses has led to an increase in the booking of vehicles.
“Previously, our business was in a bad shape. Our rooms remained empty for almost three months. But now, because of the elections, our earnings have improved substantially, our hotel is packed for the last twenty days and, even we have had turn back several of our customers due to lack of accommodation. The election staff has also hired some of our rooms,” said Abdul Qayoom, the managing director and owner of the Sky Mark Hotel in Bhaderwah.
“We faced a lot of problems over the last two months, but now, our condition has improved for better and the credit goes to the elections. We are recovering our losses, as for the last twenty days our guesthouse is completely packed. We are very happy as our work has improved and the exhilaration in our lobby has returned,” adds Mohammad Hussain, the manager of the Fiza Guesthouse.
Five of the seven-phased elections have already taken place with a decent voter turnout despite the election boycott call by separatists.
Sixteen assembly constituencies in the five districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Doda Kishtawar and Ramban Pulwama, will go to the polls on December 17 in the sixth phase of elections in the state.
The results of the seven-phased polling in Jammu and Kashmir will end Governor’’s rule, which was imposed after the fall of Congress party-led coalition government in July over a Hindu shrine land transfer row.
The Jammu and Kashmir elections began on November 17 with the first phase of polling and will finish on December 24 with the last phase of polling. (ANI)
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