Over 800 Members of Ahmedabad’s Jain Lotus Group Cancel Turkey Trip Citing National Pride Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
More than 800 members of the Jain Lotus Group in Ahmedabad have cancelled their planned post-Diwali trip to Turkey, citing the country’s recent support for Pakistan amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan
More than 800 members of the Jain Lotus Group in Ahmedabad have cancelled their planned post-Diwali trip to Turkey, citing the country’s recent support for Pakistan amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Jain Lotus Group, an Ahmedabad-based organization with over 1,000 couples as members, had arranged a 12-day, 11-night tour across four popular Turkish destinations, including Cappadocia and Istanbul. The group planned to travel in staggered batches of 80 members every few days after Diwali.
However, the trip was abruptly called off following Turkey’s backing of Pakistan’s stance after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which has escalated diplomatic strains between India and Pakistan. Turkey had also pushed for an international probe into the Pahalgam incident and has previously been known to supply arms to Pakistan.
Vipul Shah, Treasurer of the Jain Lotus Group, told Mid-Day that the decision to cancel the trip was made on moral grounds after the core committee, including the group president and joint secretary, sought opinions from all members. “We decided not to visit a country that openly supports our enemy,” he said. “We cannot go to war as an army, but we can do this much in support of the country, right?”
The cancellation reflects a broader trend among Indian travelers, as bookings for trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan have dropped sharply. According to a MakeMyTrip spokesperson quoted by Reuters, bookings to these destinations have decreased by 60% over the past week, with cancellations soaring by 250%.
Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan’s position on the ongoing conflict has led to mounting calls for boycotts and protests among Indian citizens. The Jain Lotus Group’s move is a significant example of how citizens are choosing to express their national pride and solidarity with India through their travel decisions.
This cancellation is a reminder of how geopolitical tensions can affect tourism and individual choices, as well as underline the growing sentiment among Indian groups to stand firmly behind their country in turbulent times.
Sources By Agencies
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