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Gujjar issue dampens Rajasthan tourism

          Jaipur: The Gujjar violence in Rajasthan is affecting tourism in the state. Disrupted road and railway services also added to the problem being faced by the industry. Travel operators fear if violence does not ebb within the next few days, it would severely dent tourism industry, backbone of the state's economy. "We are facing losses worth 400-500 million rupees. The foreign tourists and buyers who come during this season are not able to enter the state," President of Travel and Tour Operators Kuldeep Singh said. Tens of thousands of people, including foreign vacationers have been stranded on highways or at railway stations across the state due to the blockades. Many are even forced to extend their stay at hotels, which they say, are now charging exorbitant amount. Rajasthan, famous for its lakes and heritage palaces witnesses 50 million tourists annually. Meanwhile, the coercion has also taken a big toll on the flourishing granite business in the state, which employs more than 15,000 workers. "More than 500 units are facing losses worth 40-50 million rupees per day. Whatever is happening is wrong. Whatever their demands are, they should be asked for peacefully...this is affecting our business," said Madho Singh, owner of a granite unit in Dholpur. The turmoil in the state, which started over a demand of Gujjars for Scheduled Tribe status, has so far claimed 26 lives.
- June 2,  2007