ibn sultan
The recent government takeover of Hotel Nedous in Gulmarg has resulted in the sudden displacement of nearly 100 employees—many of whom have spent decades in loyal service at the historic establishment. Now rendered jobless, these workers have been left with no option but to protest at Press Enclave Srinagar, seeking justice and a means to survive.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and District President Baramulla, Mohd Rafique Rather, expressed deep concern over the plight of these employees. “My concern is not with the takeover itself, but with the way the employees—who have given their lives to this institution—have been left in the lurch, without any plan for their future,” he said.
“At a time when unemployment in Jammu & Kashmir is already at an all-time high, displacing over 100 families without any rehabilitation or compensation plan is both unfortunate and deeply insensitive,” Rafique Rather added.
Rather further stated, “I do not expect the present government to provide new jobs to the people—but I urge them, at the very least, not to snatch the bread and butter from the hands of the poor.”
He stressed that many of these employees are the sole breadwinners for their families. “How are they expected to feed their children, educate them, or care for their ailing family members?” Rather asked. “This is not just about a hotel—it is about the dignity and survival of real people whose lives have been thrown into uncertainty overnight.”
Rafique Rather urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to immediately intervene and come forward with a humane and practical rehabilitation plan—either by reinstating the affected staff or offering them suitable employment in the tourism or hospitality sector.
He reaffirmed that the PDP has always stood for the rights, dignity, and economic well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “We stand in full solidarity with the protesting employees of Hotel Nedous and will continue to raise our voice to ensure they get the justice they deserve,” he concluded.
