(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
Kaman Post Along Uri Sector To Be Another tourist Attraction This Year
Srinagar – Over two years after guns fell silent along the fragile Line of Control (LoC) dividing the two nuclear countries, the Jammu and Kashmir government is mulling to open more virgin places for tourists in the Union Territory to give a fillip to the border tourism.
After the remote Gurez villages, located along the LoC between India and Pakistan, the authorities have decided to promote Kaman Post in Uri sector of Baramulla district as a tourist destination. The Kaman Post overlooks the 'Aman Setu, Bridge' spanning the LoC. Half of the bridge is under the control of the Indian army while the half is controlled by Pakistan Rangers.
“Army has been at the forefront in promoting border tourism. We are happy that tourists are exploring these areas as well. The ball is in the Government's court, they have to ensure necessary infrastructure so that tourists will feel safe,” an army official told Kashmir Observer.
The announcement has also brought cheer to locals, who have been constantly bearing the brunt of mortar shelling over the decades.
“The move will surely boost our economy. It will also help generate employment for the jobless youth,” said Lal Din Khatna, a resident of Uri.
The promotion of Kaman Post as a tourist spot, he said, will also give a sense of peace to the people of the remote border areas, who were the worst hit by cross border shelling.
An official from the tourism department told Kashmir Observer that they are gearing-up to make several arrangements in anticipation of an overwhelming tourist footfall this year.
“The people in the border areas are cooperating in the home-staying idea-which has fetched them good revenue. The department is also planning to build the necessary infrastructure,” he said.
Pertinently, in September 2021, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence and Tourism, Ajay Bhatt, announced that the border areas will be developed as tourist places.
The border districts of Kashmir, especially Bandipora and Kupwara have huge tourism potential, an official from the Tourism department said.
Abdul Rashid, a resident from Macchil in Kupwara told Kashmir Observer that the area has witnessed a number of visitors from the last few years and locals are happy about it.
“We are expecting more tourists this year. It is helping local youth to generate employment,” Rashid said.
Notably, a large number of locals as well as tourists from other states went to Macchil last year on a trip-which was facilitated by the Army and J&K forest department.
Before the ceasefire these areas were restricted for any civilian movement without prior necessary permissions. However, the administration has made it very easy for travelers now.
“You can apply for the e-permission online on the district administration website and get it within no time,” said an official from Kupwara district administration.
In August 2021, the department organised a tourism festival at the Bangus Valley in Kupwara district in order to promote tourism.
On the occasion, LG Manoj Sinha said that the tourism department and the Army will make efforts to facilitate visits to such remote places.
Similarly in the Gurez sector of Bandipora, the tourists' arrival has remained at an all time high from the last two years of the ceasefire.
Every year, the district administration organizes a three-day festival in Gurez in a bid to boost tourism in the border area.
Lately, home-stays and tented accommodations are becoming popular in these areas with LG administration making efforts to promote tent stays at scenic locations that will deliver rapid growth to the tourism industry.
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