Kargil, Aug 22: The All Kargil Travel Trade Association (AKTTA) has announced its decision to boycott the upcoming Suru Festival 2025, expressing strong resentment against the drastic budget cuts imposed by the UT Administration.
According to the association, the originally proposed budget of Rs 3 crores for the festival has been curtailed to just Rs 20 lakhs, a move that AKTTA believes undermines the true scale and tourism potential of Suru Valley.
In a strongly worded statement, AKTTA President Mohd Ali said that the association had opposed this decision in meetings with the Council and District Administration. During the last meeting, the AKTTA President and members even staged a walkout in protest, asserting that such a meagre allocation would fail to showcase Suru Valley’s cultural and tourism potential.
“Such eyewash events do not contribute meaningfully to tourism promotion. With this budget, the program becomes more of a symbolic exercise rather than a genuine initiative,” the association stated.
AKTTA also revealed that while the Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) had assured them of a follow-up meeting after Chehlum, no communication has been received from his office since then.
The association has directed its members—including hoteliers, guest houses, and travel agents—to refrain from offering any support or participation in the festival under its current format. It further criticized the department’s proposed activities, such as Qawwali programmes, claiming they fail to represent the true essence and purpose of Suru Fest.
Reaffirming its commitment to the tourism sector, AKTTA emphasized that it would continue to push for initiatives that genuinely benefit Kargil and highlight the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
