Several trade unions in Kashmir today threatened to launch an agitation if the state government decided to go ahead with the privatisation plans of the Centaur hotel in the Valley.

The trade union leaders have extended unconditional support to the coordination committee of the hotel employees and urged the government to refrain from "selling Kashmir to outsiders".

"We, the officers and workers of the Centaur Hotel are objecting to the transfer deal and will lodge severe agitation against this move. We appeal to all sections of the society to join to save this prestigious property," the coordination committee said in a statement here.

The committee also organised a seminar to muster support for opposing the proposed transfer of the hotel to a Mumbai-based company. The matter is sub-judice as the employees have approached the High Court which has stayed the transfer.

The coordination committee demanded that the hotel be taken over by the state government or Union Civil Aviation ministry.

Among the groups extending unconditional support to the coordination committee included two groups of Employees Joint Action Committee, JK Handicrafts Employees Association, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation and the body of insurance employees.

"We will not allow the capitalist approach of the government. This is not the sell out of a hotel, but this is an attempt to sell the land of Kashmir to the outsiders," Abdul Qayoom, the president of an EJAC faction, said.

Qayoom demanded the resignation of state tourism minister Nawang Rigzin Jora for his remarks that he was unaware of the deal.

"Whatever will be the decision of the coordination committee, we will extend unconditional support to them," he said.