File photo: JKNC President Farooq Abdullah

SRINAGAR: Two days after J&K LG Manoj Sinha hailed hotels in the valley as “stakeholders in peace… even though 90% of 5,000 hotels constructed between 2021 and 2024 flouted regulations”, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said the hotels allowed people to create self-employment.“I have seen the time when tourists had to sleep in taxis and even on roads as there was no accommodation available,” Abdullah said.On Monday, Sinha said Kashmiris have invested over Rs 1 lakh crore in the hotel sector, indicating the improving situation in J&K. He said the sector has played a key role in the UT’s transformation. However, he added the benefits of tourism must reach the wider community.