Houseboat owners threaten stir

Srinagar: A few days after two houseboats were gutted in  the Nigeen Lake, the owners of floating marvels accused the government of not paying attention to their plight and ignoring their demand for special firefighters in case of any eventuality. They said houseboats would become extinct in the next 20 year. “Houseboats play an important role in promoting tourism. However, we are being meted step-motherly treatment. If the government continued to ignore our demands, we will be forced to take to the streets,” said chairman of the Kashmir Houseboats Owners Association (KHBOA) Abdul Hamid Wangnoo while addressing a press conference here.He said although two houseboats were gutted on Monday, the authorities were yet to announce any compensation for the victims. “In 2015, a houseboat was gutted with two kids inside. However, no compensation was paid. After a couple of months, three houseboats were gutted in the Jhelum and two in Dal Lake, but again no relief was released,” he said. TNS