Maoist activities adversely affect West Bengal tourism
By ANIWednesday, January 5, 2011
BANKURA - Rising Maoist activities in West Bengal’s Bankura district have badly affected the tourism industry in the region.
The recent incidents of violence have deterred tourists from visiting the State, particularly due to fear of shutdowns.
“There are some apprehensions among the people who are coming from other parts of the state. There are frequent shutdown in these areas. People got some apprehensions about coming into this area that if they are coming, and there is a shutdown, then there is no point in coming there,” said Mohammad Ghulam Ali Ansari, District Magistrate, Bankura.
Meanwhile, a tourist complex owner blamed the media for spreading fear of Maoists.
“There is no fear of Maoists in this area. Their activities and presence is almost 100 kilometers away from here. But some mediapersons are propagating that there is fear of Maoists. That’s why tourists are afraid to come here,” said Tapas Mondal, owner of a tourist complex.
“We have informed the local administration and they are taking necessary steps and we have a also informed the police administration and trade associations about the same,” he added.(ANI)
