Dr. Khwaja Farooq Renzushah Champions Tourism ,Peace & Creation of 11 city Districts for 35 lakh population of srinagar at prestigious conference in city
Srinagar, April 18, 2026 – In a powerful address at the prestigious Tourism and Peace Conference held at the stunning Rivera Auditorium in Raj Bagh, Dr. Khwaja Farooq Renzushah passionately condemned the lingering hate ideology that continues to refer to Shaheed Adil Chowk as “Khooni Lal Chowk.” He called for a pivotal transformation in urban planning, advocating for the creation of 11 city districts to support Srinagar’s growing population of 3.5 million.
The event, organized by KBT’s Syed Muzamil Qadri and Yaqoob Dunu of the Human Rights Department, celebrated both Tourism Day and Peace Day in honor of the late Adil Shah. Dr. Renzushah recognized the remarkable efforts of the KBT team and their contributions to this extraordinary program.
A diverse gathering included prominent personalities from Bhopal, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, along with key figures from various sectors, such as tourism , trade, and the arts. Esteemed guests included Janat Tariq and Tariq Patlo, who received accolades from Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, as well as Jenab Manzoor Kadroo and Sh. Deepak Sharma from Rajasthan. Together, they engaged in meaningful dialogues emphasizing the urgent need for unity, peace, and the restoration of Kashmir’s historical legacy.
In his keynote address, Dr. Renzushah illuminated Kashmir’s rich heritage of renaissance, communal harmony, and cultural diversity. He reminisced about significant historical events, including the ancient Buddhist conference at Harwan over 2,500 years ago and the lasting influence of revered Kashmiri spiritual leaders like Bulbul Shah and Shah Hamdan. He underscored that Kashmir has always been a vibrant melting pot of cultures and beliefs.
Addressing the tragic massacre of 27 Hindu tourists on April 22, 2025, which severely tarnished the region’s reputation for peace, Dr. Renzushah honored the bravery of Adil Shah Pooniwala, a local hero who perished while defending innocent lives. He advocated for the renaming of erstwhile terror-associated Lal Chowk to Adil Shah Chowk, symbolizing both sacrifice and the spirit of Kashmiri unity. “Tourism in Kashmir must embody the resilience and solidarity reflected by Adil Shah Chowk,” he asserted.
Dr. Renzushah further emphasized the critical need for enhanced district development infrastructure in Srinagar, advocating for comprehensive disaster management schemes. He drew a stark contrast between Srinagar and Ladakh, where one district serves just 20,000 residents, proposing the establishment of at least 11 city districts in Srinagar, with populations of around 200,000 each. He outlined a strategic plan for these districts, particularly around historical bridge landmarks, and discussed the necessity for four additional districts from Ram Bagh to Sheikh ul Aalam Airport to accommodate the increasing influx of migrants since the 1990s.
“This initiative is vital for robust urban planning, tackling youth unemployment, and ensuring that each citizen’s concerns are addressed swiftly,” Dr. Renzushah stated.
The event was further enriched by cultural performances from talented artists representing Kashmiri, Rajasthani, Bhopali, and Uttar Pradesh traditions, showcasing the rich tapestry of diversity that is integral to Kashmir’s identity.
Together, we must foster a future where tourism and peace thrive hand in hand in the enchanting valley of Kashmir.
