Government Must Act Against Unauthorised Hotels, Businesses Linked to Anti-National Activities in Kashmir

 

Srinagar, Aug 4 (ANN News):

 

Srinagar, Aug 4 (ANN News):
As Jammu and Kashmir steadily embraces a new era of peace, development, and integration with the rest of country, serious concerns have resurfaced over the unchecked operation of illegal hotels and business establishments in the Valley.
Many of these entities reportedly function without valid lease agreements or legal documentation, and even more alarmingly, some have been linked to separatist networks and anti-national funding sources.

Last year, the Union Territory administration initiated a long-overdue campaign to identify and seal properties operating without proper lease renewals or ownership records.
The move was welcomed by the public, who viewed it as a decisive step toward transparency, accountability and rule of law in Kashmir’s business and tourism sectors.

However, insiders in the administration claim that the campaign was abruptly halted due to pressure from powerful political and commercial lobbies that have long benefitted from the status quo.

 

Civil society members and security analysts argue that many of these illegal establishments served as fronts for separatist activity and extremist narratives. Intelligence agencies have repeatedly flagged cases where Kashmiri businessmen—particularly in the hospitality sector—allegedly received hawala money and illicit funding from Pakistan to grow their empires while covertly supporting militant networks and anti-India propaganda.

Before the abrogation of Article 370, these networks were reportedly exploiting foreign funds and NGO routes to finance unrest and spread separatist ideology. The special status shielded them from scrutiny, but post-370, the government’s crackdown has significantly disrupted their operations.

 

One glaring example is a former government employee who is now the owner of a luxury hotel chain operating across central and south Kashmir.
Locals continue to raise questions about his sudden and unexplained rise in wealth.

“From a modest government job to a multi-crore empire during times of unrest — everyone knows the political and separatist backing he enjoyed,” said a senior journalist based in Srinagar.

Another prominent businessman, who owns a cement factory and several hotels in North Kashmir, is widely known for his proximity to top separatist leaders. According to investigators, his hotel premises were allegedly used for covert meetings during the height of insurgency, and his financial growth mirrored the most turbulent years of violence. Despite credible reports and public outrage, no formal investigation has been launched against him.

 

There are also serious allegations against some travel agency operators in the Valley. Before the abrogation of Article 370, these businesses were reportedly used to facilitate movement of foreign nationals with suspected extremist links, all under the garb of tourism. While the current legal framework and surveillance have silenced many of these actors, a senior official warned:

“If the state structure weakens again, these elements will re-emerge and pose a direct threat to India’s sovereignty. Their silence is temporary — their intentions are not.”

 

Security experts argue that these establishments do not just violate building codes — they jeopardize national security. “This is not about expired leases anymore. These illegal businesses have allegedly harbored terrorists, laundered money, and spread anti-India narratives,” said one of the retired police officers , who served in anti-terror operations during the most violent decades in Kashmir.

Social activist Arif Lone echoed this concern, stating, “The government has the intelligence inputs, the legal authority, and the public support. What is now needed is the political courage to act — and to act decisively.”

 

As Kashmir strives to become a symbol of growth and stability, illegal and subversive establishments cannot be allowed to threaten the hard-won peace. These shadow businesses not only erode governance and law, but also threaten to reignite the fires of extremism if left unchecked.

There is now growing public demand for the government to revive its crackdown, trace the funding roots of such entities, and seize properties proven to have links to terrorism, separatism, or illegal foreign funding.

 

Kashmir’s transformation is India’s success story — and it must be protected at all costs. The presence of illegal, anti-national enterprises is not just a legal issue; it is a challenge to India’s sovereignty and unity.

The people of the Valley — and of India — are watching. The message is clear: The government must act firmly, lawfully, and without delay. National interest must come first.