As tensions between India and Pakistan run excessive within the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror assault, the border tourism websites closed to the Line of Management (LoC), which had been bustling with exercise not too way back, put on a abandoned look.
Prior to now 4 to 5 years, these locations had grow to be symbols of peace after renewed ceasefire between India and Pakistan in 2021. (AFP)
The locations comparable to Kaman, Teetwal, Keran, Gurez and Machil, had grown in recognition over the previous few years, solely to be misplaced within the lengthy shadow solid by the Pahalgam terror assault.
The phobia assault at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22 claimed 26 lives, 25 vacationers and an area. After the assault, India introduced a slew of punitive measures in opposition to Pakistan, and the later retorted. Since, tensions have been excessive between the 2 neighbouring nations, prompting a return of concern of shelling in these areas. The locals have cleaned up the bunkers which weren’t in use as peace had prevailed in these areas.
Prior to now 4 to 5 years, these locations had grow to be symbols of peace after renewed ceasefire between India and Pakistan in 2021.
“Only weeks ago, the talk was about homestays, treks and food for tourists. Now, our concern is about underground bunkers in our vicinity,” mentioned Ajaz Ahmad, a resident of Teetwal, situated on the banks of Kishen Ganga River in Kupwara district. Outlets and homes of Nowseri, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, may be seen with the bare eye from the village.
“This place became a tourist destination, and we expected a good footfall this year. Now, there is tension as our villages are easy target if hostilities break out between India and Pakistan. Nobody has visited since the Pahalgam attack,” he provides.
Prior to now few years, a temple and a gurdwara had been opened at Teetwal. The village is likely one of the base camps en path to conventional Sharda Peeth, an historical Hindu temple in Neelam Valley in PoK. It has been out of bounds since 1947. “Across the LoC, there is less movement as well. They fear something bad can happen as well,” mentioned Shakeel Khan, a client affairs division official posted within the space.
After 2022, many new tourism locations, particularly unexplored locations, had been developed in these areas. Nonetheless, there’s subsequent to no footfall right here now. The federal government has restricted entry to a few of these websites as nicely.
Among the many locations not too long ago shut by the Jammu and Kashmir authorities, citing safety considerations, are Kaman in Uri and picturesque Bungus meadow in Kupwara.
“Earlier, cabs and buses with tourists used to travel using this road to visit Kaman Post bridge every day. Now, nobody goes there,” mentioned Mohammad Iqbal, who owns a store on the Srinagar-Muzafarrabad highway in Uri. “We have seen hostilities in past and pray that things don’t turn bad,” he added.
The Kaman Bridge or peace bridge (Aman Setu) that connects the Valley with PoK was being developed as a vacationer vacation spot however has not been closed even for locals.
One other picturesque valley, Gurez, which was thrown open to vacationers in 2021, has been declared out of bounds. Round a lakh vacationers visited the positioning final yr.
“The tourism season used to start in May. Now, nobody will come. Before tourism, only one hotel was there in Gurez. Now, dozens of hotels, homestays and guest houses are under construction now. Unfortunately, everything changed due to the attack,” mentioned Bilal Wani, including that he was planning to assemble a homestay.
Adviser to J&Okay chief minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, mentioned that after the scenario improves, all of the vacationer locations can be opened. “The security assessment after Pahalgam attack is necessary,” he informed reporters.