The PDP leader backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims that BJP would seek to rewrite the constitution if returned to power…reports Asian Lite News
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) party chief Mehbooba Mufti has alleged that BJP will try to end reservation for weaker sections if it comes back to power and that it is giving benefits to few industrialists.
She said the PDP is in the hearts of the people because it has done work which no other party did in Jammu and Kashmir.
The PDP leader backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims that BJP would seek to rewrite the constitution if returned to power.
“Rahul Gandhi is very much right that the BJP will try to abolish OBC, ST and SC Quota in the near future. BJP is trying to provide benefits to a few people…,” Mehbooba Mufti said during roadshow here.
Addressing a rally on Monday in Chhattisgarh, Rahul Gandhi held a copy of the Indian Constitution and said BJP will attempt to rewrite the Constitution and do away with reservation. He said Congress is committed to safeguarding the Constitution.
Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Anantnag-Rajouri seat, said that the PDP continues to resonate with the people due to the work it did while in power.
“The way efforts are being made to erase the identity of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP is the only voice in such a situation that has been raising issues for the past five years,” she said.
She said that National Conference did not hold the hand of friendship extended by the PDP.
Mufti that she stands for uniting and not dividing people of the two regions of the union territory.
She is on a weeklong poll campaign programme in Poonch and Rajouri districts these days. She moved to Poonch town on Saturday after addressing people in the Mendhar and Surankote areas of the district.
She reached Poonch and Rajouri on April 25 by travelling through the Mughal Road that connects the Valley with the Jammu division as an alternative road link.
She told a public meeting, “Irrespective of religion and region, we have to move together and raise a united voice to seek redressal of our issues.
“I am thankful for the warm welcome given to me by the local people including Paharis, Gujjars and Hindus living here.
“I stand to unite people and not to divide them. Everyone is adversely affected when there is a problem and everyone gets benefitted when issues are resolved,” she said.
She asked voters to support her as she is aware of the demands of the people of Poonch which include a medical college, extension of the rail link and completion of the under-construction Parnai hydro-electric project.
She said she had not come to make any false promises but, would be the voice of the people if elected to the Lok Sabha.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Tuesday decided to defer the polls for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir from the third phase on May 7 to the sixth and penultimate phase on May 25.
The elections to the five seats in Jammu and Kashmir, barring the Union Territory of Ladakh, which will poll separately on May 20; will be held across five phases, with Udhampur going first today….reports Asian Lite News
Almost five years to the historic abrogation of Article 370, stripping the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional privileges, the Union Territory is taking its first steps towards the restoration of statehood as polling is underway for the five Lok Sabha seats today.
Polling in the UT is happening after suspected terrorists shot dead a migrant worker from Bihar in the Anantnag district, in a reminder of the tag that the erstwhile state is desperate to shed.
However, the polling this time is unlike anything that the erstwhile state had seen in its history, with the UT administration and BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) pushing the narrative of a ‘Naya Kashmir’, highlighting all the work towards the development of public infrastructure over the last few years as well as the surging footfall of tourists.
The elections to the five seats in Jammu and Kashmir, barring the Union Territory of Ladakh, which will poll separately on May 20; will be held across five phases, with Udhampur going first on Friday.
Former chief minister Farooq Abdullah expressed his displeasure over the scheduling of the polls in the erstwhile state, saying it was disheartening that the EC decided not to conduct the parliamentary and assembly polls simultaneously.
“This government is pushing for ‘One Nation, One Election’ and holding state elections and parliamentary elections in four states simultaneously. Why then is Jammu and Kashmir being denied simultaneous general and assembly elections? When every party here is asking for it, why are simultaneous elections not being held here?” the NC patriarch said.
With the historic passing of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 by the Parliament, Article 370, through which a special constitutional status was accorded to the erstwhile state; ceased to exist.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir was split and reorganised into two UTs–Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh–in October 2019.
The BJP has given a fresh ticket to sitting Udhampur MP and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who has been representing the constituency in the Lok Sabha since 2014 when he defeated then-Congress leader and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
The Congress has fielded Choudhary Lal Singh from Udhampur. Six years after being forced to resign his membership of the party after allegedly leading a rally in favour of the accused in the rape of a minor girl in Kathua, Lal Singh was ushered back into the grand old party.
The Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is not contesting the Lok Sabha polls in the UT as a partner in the INDIA bloc, has extended their support to the Congress candidate.
As part of the seat-sharing agreement reached between the INDIA bloc partners, the Congress will contest Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary constituencies, while the National Conference (NC) will contest the Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar and Baramulla Lok Sabha seats.
Addressing a mega rally at Udhampur recently in favour of Jitendra Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a huge statement, saying the day isn’t far when full statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir and assembly elections will be held.
Underscoring the ‘change’ that has come to the erstwhile state, PM Modi said for the first time, terrorism and cross-border infiltration wouldn’t be poll issues going into an election in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, prominent Opposition forces in the UT, including the Congress, have alleged suppression of rights by the Centre while demanding the restoration of Article 370 and the special privileges for the erstwhile state that it guaranteed.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, PDP chief and former CM Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP-led NDA at the Centre of turning the state into an ‘open jail’.
“They (the central government) have converted Jammu and Kashmir into an open jail.
“You must have heard how militants shot at a tourist guide in Shopian recently. It was an unfortunate incident. Thousands of youth from Jammu and Kashmir are being jailed across the country,” she said.
National Conference leader and former CM Omar Abdullah alleged earlier that the BJP’s manifesto was aimed at the ‘destruction’ of the erstwhile state, adding that he still hadn’t lost hope of the restoration of Article 370.
“BJP manifestoes have always brought destruction to Jammu and Kashmir,” the former CM said, adding, “We still haven’t lost hope of restoration of Article 370. There are many like-minded parties such as the DMK and TMC, which are with us on Article 370.”
Earlier, elections to the District Development Councils (DDCs) in Jammu-Kashmir were held in 2020, with the BJP emerging as the single-largest party with 74 seats. The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), led by Farooq Abdullah’s National Conference, won 110 seats.
Also, crucially, the elections to the Lok Sabha on Friday will be the first since the passage of two key legislations–the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023–in Parliament.
While the former legislation proposes changes in the constituencies of the UT, the latter provides for reservation in jobs and professional institutions to members of SC, ST, and other socially and educationally backward classes.
The first Bill was drafted after redrawing the boundaries of Anantnag and Jammu Lok Sabha seats. The Pir Panjal region, which comprises Poonch and Rajouri, was previously a part of the Jammu seat but has now been added to the Anantnag seat in Kashmir. Similarly, another region in Srinagar constituency has now been made a part of the Baramulla constituency.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP won three seats while the National Conference won the remaining three. (ANI)
Authorities are on high alert, and security forces have increased vehicle checks at vulnerable and critical points across the Jammu division to prevent any further incidents….reports Asian Lite News
In anticipation of Republic Day in Jammu and Kashmir, security measures have been heightened, and vehicle inspections increased throughout the Jammu division. This comes in the aftermath of a suspected terrorist attack on an army convoy in Poonch district. Reports indicate that extensive search operations are ongoing in the Poonch sector following the assault on the Commanding Officer’s convoy in the Krishna Ghati area on Friday. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and a joint search operation by army troops and J&K Police is in progress.
A significant focus has been placed on apprehending the attackers, with intelligence agencies actively working to identify their motives and identity. The incident has prompted heightened concerns about the overall security situation in the region. Authorities are on high alert, and security forces have increased vehicle checks at vulnerable and critical points across the Jammu division to prevent any further incidents.
Local communities have been urged to stay vigilant and collaborate with authorities by providing any relevant information to aid the ongoing investigation. Additionally, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, General Officer Corps (GOC) White Knight Corps, briefed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on the current situation during a meeting at Rajbhavan Jammu.
Meanwhile, General Commanding Officer (GoC) of army’s 15 Corps, Lt general Rajiv Ghai said on Tuesday that the situation on ground is good, though the security forces have still some distance to cover to move forward.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the inauguration of general Bipin Rawat stadium in Baramulla town, the GoC said, “The situation is good, though the security forces still have some distance to cover to move forward.”
He said that today is a big day and a proud moment for J&K and the entire country that a stadium was being named after late general Bipin Rawat.
He said late general Bipin Rawat had special place in the hearts of the people of Kashmir in addition to serving here as the head of the 29 infantry division.
Lt general Rajiv Ghai said that the youth of Kashmir have a bright and promising future ahead of them and they must utilise their energy to move forward in life.
The GoC said that the army is working in close cooperation with the civil administration to control drug smuggling from across the border.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande said that due to the continuous efforts of the Indian Army and the government, success has been achieved in controlling the situation in the state of Manipur.
Addressing the people on the 76th Army Day, General Manoj Pande said that due to peace talks with local insurgent groups, there has been positive development in the North-East region.
“There have been important peace agreements and peace talks with local insurgent groups in the North-East in the last few years. As a result of which there has been positive development in this area. Government policies have played an important role in restoring peace. In Manipur, due to the activeness of the government and the efforts of the Indian Army, success is being achieved in controlling the situation. In this difficult environment of sensitivity, our soldiers have played an important role in reducing the damage by working with patience and talent,” he said.
“Concrete efforts are going on towards establishing peace in Manipur,” he added.
He further said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir on the western borders is under control. But in the last few months, an increase in terrorist activities has been seen in many areas.
“Our priority is to strengthen the modern infrastructure with the cooperation of other agencies. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir on the western borders is under control. But in the last few months, an increase in terrorist activities has been seen in some areas. There is a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LOC) but it is clear from the infiltration attempts that terrorism still exists across the border,” the COAS said.
General Manoj Pande added that our army is fully prepared and capable to deal with any challenge and have taken many concrete steps to develop our capabilities on the northern borders. Currently, through the principles of emergency procurement, we have imported modern equipment, including weapons equipped with new technology. Special grants have been given towards developing critical infrastructure in border areas.
“In the past, the Indian Army has faced all security challenges with determination and commitment. I am proud that each of our soldiers has fulfilled his responsibility, be it security of borders, deployment in difficult areas and challenging weather. Our army is fully prepared and capable to deal with any challenge. Our army has foiled the infiltration attempts with full vigilance. As a result of continuous efforts by the security forces in the areas of Jammu and Kashmir, there has been a significant reduction in violence. We, together with all the stakeholders, are working determinedly to root out terrorism from the country,” he said.
Airspace Curbs Issued in Delhi on Jan. 26
Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Tuesday issued airspace restriction for 11 days in view of preparation for Republic Day celebrations.
The officials said that these restrictions will start January 19 but will not disrupt the schedules of regular flights.
However, there will be specific limitations on non-scheduled flights of both scheduled airlines and chartered flights. During the period from January 19 to 25, the landing or take-off of such flights will not be permitted from 10 am to 1:15 pm.
According to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), these restrictions will be in effect from 6 am to 9 pm during the period from January 26 to 29.
“From January 19 to 25, from 10 hrs to 1315 hrs, no landing/take off permitted for non- scheduled flights of scheduled airlines and GA flights,” read the notice.
“From January 26 to 29 from 0600 hrs to 2100 hrs, no landing/take off permitted for non- scheduled flights of scheduled airlines and GA flights,” the notice further stated.
It said that there will be no impact of NOTAM on IAF, BSF, ARMY Aviation helicopters while aircraft/helicopters can fly with the governor/chief minister of state.
This marks a notable improvement from the previous year’s statistics, with revenue reaching Rs. 91 crore and 8.50 lakh tourist rides in 2022….reports Asian Lite News
The Gulmarg Gondola, a standout feature in Kashmir tourism, is thriving in terms of both revenue and the volume of transported tourists.
“In 2023, more than a million tourists enjoyed the rides of the gondolas enabling the J&K Cable Car Corporation to earn revenue of more than Rs. 108 crore during the last calendar year,” an official statement said.
“This is encouragingly higher than the figure of the previous year (2022) which stood at Rs. 91 crore as revenue and 8.50 lakh tourist rides. What is more, tourists describe the experience as surreal and alluring,” the statement by the J&K Cable Car Corporation which runs and manages the Gulmarg Gondola, said.
“Besides the enhanced revenue and visitor trips, the corporation, during the last year, improved and enhanced the service delivery by improving the ticket issuing mechanism, undertaking several safety tests and overhauled the second phase of the Gondola with latest technology,” the statement added.
Despite grappling with an economic crisis and heavily relying on foreign loans, Pakistan skillfully assembles resources to fund terrorist organizations…writes S.P.S. Pannu
While India has stepped up its vigil and there has been a paradigm shift in the country’s counter-terror doctrine which now allows retaliatory strikes, Pakistan continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism to keep Jammu and Kashmir on the boil.
Although Pakistan has plunged into an economic crisis and is surviving on foreign loans, it somehow manages to scrape together enough resources to finance terror groups. Proof has also emerged that the narcotics trade is being used to finance these terror activities. Pakistani drones carrying drugs and arms across the border have been shot down in Indian territory.
India has been relentlessly highlighting Pakistan’s involvement in sponsoring cross-border terrorism, but Islamabad has managed to wriggle out of the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and secured a bailout from the IMF aided by geopolitical considerations and backing from big brother China.
Cash-strapped Pakistan has hiked its defence expenditure by a whopping 15.5 per cent to Rs 1.8 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2023-24, making its priorities very clear.
In a joint statement issued after talks between U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington in June this year, the two countries “strongly condemned cross-border terrorism and the use of terrorist proxies” by Pakistan.
Pakistani Currency.
The statement called on Islamabad “to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks.”
However, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry in a cynical response said the statement was “politically motivated,” and it was “surprised” by the reference given “Pakistan’s close counterterrorism cooperation with the U.S.”
India has been forced to take measures to fortify its national security both against terrorism as well as the twin military threats on its borders with Pakistan and China.
The Narendra Modi government’s new counter-terror doctrine provides for retaliation against terror groups responsible for strikes within or outside the country. The 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot strike by the Indian armed forces formed part of this strategy. Both these retaliations were well planned with all the three defence services fully prepared for both vertical and horizontal escalations by land, air or sea.
The retaliation by India across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 2016 and in Balakot in Mansehra district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) in 2019 after the Pulwama attack, has served to send a message to the hostile neighbour that India will not let such acts go unpunished. Many prominent leaders of terrorist groups have been forced to scramble for shelter in safe houses of Pakistan’s ISI due to the fear of Indian overt and covert retaliation.
India’s coastal areas, including those near big cities such as Mumbai and Chennai are much better protected now than they were in 2008 when the 26/11 attack took place in the country’s financial capital.
The Indian Navy, Coast Guard and State Marine Police, as a three tiered cover, along with other agencies such as Customs and Port Trusts, patrol the Maritime Zones of India, islands and adjacent seas, using ships and aircraft to detect and check infiltration through the sea routes.
The electronic surveillance mechanism has been augmented by provisioning of an electronic/radar chain called Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) comprising a Chain of Static Sensors equipped with a radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT), day/night cameras and advanced communication systems, the government has stated in Parliament.
These measures assist in developing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), which has been achieved by interconnecting 51 Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard stations, which has been established to develop a Common Operational Picture. Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) radars in ports also facilitate surveillance of port areas.
Coastal Security Exercises are being conducted regularly by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms and to address gaps.
Another important development in tackling terror has been the increased role being given to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to deal with such cases.
The country’s police and internal security system in the hands of the states is highly fragmented and often poorly coordinated. These forces, especially the local police, are often poorly trained and equipped and riddled with high levels of corruption.
The NIA, which operates directly under the Union Home Ministry, has successfully dealt with innumerable incidents of terrorist attacks, not only in the militancy and insurgency affected regions and areas affected by Left Wing extremism, but also in the form of terrorist attacks and bomb blasts in various parts of the hinterland and major cities.
A large number of such incidents are found to have complex inter-state and international linkages, and possible connections with other activities such as the smuggling of arms and drugs, pushing in and circulation of fake Indian currency and infiltration from across the borders.
Foreigners and domestic tourists are back in Jamuu and Kashmir. Foreign tourist arrivals have skyrocketed by 700%, signalling a revived sense of safety and security. This tourism resurgence not only bolsters the local economy but also fosters cultural exchange, nurturing tolerance and rekindling the region’s syncretic heritage… writes Sunanda Garain
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a renaissance in tourism, heralding a new era of prosperity. In the first seven months of 2023, the region welcomed an astounding 12.7 million tourists, an unprecedented milestone in India’s 75-year history. This surge, expected to reach 22.5 million by year-end, surpasses the previous record of 18.8 million tourists in 2022.
Remarkably, foreign tourist arrivals have skyrocketed by 700%, signalling a revived sense of safety and security. This tourism resurgence not only bolsters the local economy but also fosters cultural exchange, nurturing tolerance and rekindling the region’s syncretic heritage. The G20 meeting held in Kashmir has played a pivotal role in attracting global tourists, debunking false narratives, and promoting peace. With infrastructure improvements and strategic projects, Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are poised to become premier global tourism destinations, ushering in prosperity, stability, and development.
The G20 meeting played a pivotal role in rejuvenating tourism in the picturesque region of Kashmir. Once celebrated for its pristine landscapes and verdant valleys, Kashmir had been a favoured destination for both domestic and international tourists during the 1960s and 1980s. Unfortunately, the peace and serenity were disrupted in 1989 when Pakistan and its clandestine agencies initiated armed conflicts and acts of terrorism in the region. This involved infiltrating a multitude of militants and misleading certain vulnerable Kashmiris into joining the insurgency.
However, since August 2019, there has been a significant positive shift in the security situation within the Kashmir Valley. The presence of terrorists has remarkably diminished, and the troubling incidents of “quasi violence,” such as stone pelting and strikes—often instigated by Pakistan—have dwindled, particularly after 2021. Notably, the people of Kashmir, particularly the youth, stand at the threshold of a profound transformation in their outlook towards Pakistan and its policy of terror in the region. This transformation is exemplified by the fact that only 25 young individuals from Kashmir have joined militancy in the current year, a stark contrast to the 143 in 2019 and 100 in 2022.
Furthermore, out of the 46 terrorists eliminated in the region, a mere 9 were locals, while the remaining 37 were Pakistani nationals. This marks the first time in over three decades of militancy that the number of foreign terrorists neutralized has exceeded that of locals. Importantly, 29 of these terrorists met their fate in the southern region of Pir Panjal, near the Pakistan border, signifying Islamabad’s frustration and the changing security landscape in the Valley.
The surge in tourists, particularly from Muslim-majority nations, has dismantled Pakistan’s false accusations of human rights violations in Kashmir by New Delhi within the Muslim world. The increased influx of tourists vividly illustrates the evolving ground reality, especially the shifting perceptions of the youth toward New Delhi, both economically and politically.
Taking advantage of its G20 presidency, New Delhi showcased the abundant tourism potential of the Valley to affluent global economies. On May 22, the Third G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) convention organised in the Kashmir Valley, with a focus on promoting green, inclusive, and resilient tourism development. This gathering enabled the UT administration to glean insights from global best practices for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and compelled several countries to revise their travel advisories.
Kashmir, often hailed as the ‘paradise on earth,’ hosted a momentous G-20 event in its picturesque capital, Srinagar, in May 2023. This prestigious gathering had spurred extensive infrastructural advancements, encompassing road renovations, beautification endeavours, and enhancements to drainage systems. The G-20 forum, representing a staggering 85% of global GDP, over 75% of international trade, and housing two-thirds of the world’s populace, including the most affluent and influential nations, organizations, and leaders, marked a significant milestone. That year, esteemed guest countries included Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and the UAE.
Under India’s G-20 Presidency, the theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (one earth, one family, one future), underscored environmental sustainability, paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. The event encompassed various engagement groups like Business20, Labour20, Parliament20, Science20, SAI20, Think20, Urban20, and a ground-breaking Startup20 engagement group, acknowledging the pivotal role of start-ups in driving innovation. A novel working group focused on Disaster Risk Reduction aimed to foster collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and the exchange of best practices. The University of Kashmir played host to the Y-20 and C-20 events, addressing gender equality and disability (GED) and fostering dialogues with stakeholders from eight nations in hybrid mode. The goal was to shape actionable policies for the G20 summit, with panel discussions spanning legal reform, public platforms, school curricula, gender sensitization, and youth mentorship.
Jammu and Kashmir, as a newly-formed union territory, had made remarkable strides in education, healthcare, and power, with a pronounced focus on youth empowerment. Key accomplishments included the establishment of 50 new degree colleges, seven medical colleges, five nursing colleges, and a state cancer institute. Programmes had been instrumental in providing skill-based training to dropouts, with 70% finding gainful employment. The Integrated Dairy Development Scheme had transformed over 40,000 women into millionaires. The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) had created a substantial 62,808 jobs across diverse sectors. J&K was now officially Open Defecation Free and proudly boasted renowned institutions like IIT and IIM. Infrastructure projects spanned public works, water management, power development, higher education, health, housing, urban development, and tourism. These encompassed road and highway construction, flood management, water supply schemes, urban revitalization, and multiple MSME initiatives.
The third G-20 tourism working group meeting, which unfolded in the Kashmir Valley, convened delegates from G-20 countries, guest nations, and international organizations such as the UN, World Bank, IMF, WHO, WTO, ILO, FSB, OECD, ASEAN Chair, and ISA, alongside global leaders. These delegates explored the region’s foremost tourist attractions and film tourism potential, aiming to attract film productions through streamlined approvals and enhanced facilities. Stringent security measures, including Special Forces and cutting-edge anti-drone technology, were implemented to ensure a seamless and secure event. In anticipation of the G-20 gathering, Srinagar underwent a profound transformation, with heritage structures resplendently illuminated in the tricolour, and crucial intersections underwent refurbishment.
The G-20 meetings on the picturesque canvas of Jammu and Kashmir amplified global recognition, heightened investments, and a flourishing tourism industry alongside vibrant handloom and handicrafts sectors. By addressing living standards within the region, this event broadcasted a resounding positive message across the globe, igniting Kashmir’s tourism sector as a potent catalyst.
The G20 meeting held in Kashmir led to a significant upsurge in foreign tourists, predominantly from Europe, the Middle East, Malaysia, and Thailand. The notable increase in tourists hailing exclusively from Muslim-majority countries has exposed Pakistan’s baseless allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir by New Delhi, particularly within the Muslim world. A notable moment occurred on August 4, 2023, when British Arab influencer Amjad Taha visited Kashmir and was deeply impressed by “India’s peace initiatives” in the Valley. This visit served as a testament to the positive changes and opportunities that have unfolded in the region.
Pakistan is currently grappling with a host of political and economic difficulties, whereas Kashmir is emerging as a top-tier destination for both domestic and international tourists. This is presenting the local Kashmiri youth with a myriad of economic prospects. The tourism sector contributes to around 7-8 percent of the Union Territory’s (UT) GDP, yielding an annual revenue exceeding INR 80 billion. This revenue not only bolsters the local economy but also spurs employment, directly or indirectly, particularly among the youth. In response to the growing tourist demand and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the government has initiated a homestay program, offering special assistance to each unit. This year, there has been a significant rise in registered homestays, with the government committed to adding 55,000 rooms through this initiative. To illustrate, in the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora, there are presently 250 registered homestays offering 900 rooms.
It is imperative for the UT administration to showcase Kashmir’s tourism potential on the global stage, with a specific focus on regions like the Middle East, Europe, and the United States (US). The administration is also championing 75 new pristine destinations to allure more high-end tourists. Nevertheless, apart from Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, most other destinations require improved basic tourism infrastructure, including amenities like mobile connectivity, electricity supply, and public restrooms. Take, for example, the Gurez Valley, just 125 km away from Srinagar, which is in need of proper infrastructure, particularly electricity, public facilities, and roads. Despite the UT implementing new policies to develop eco-friendly infrastructure and maximize tourism potential, there remains a pressing need for additional tourism-related infrastructure.
New Delhi must also prioritize the creation of more economic opportunities and the expeditious completion of connectivity projects. These include the expansion of railway networks and the conversion of the strategic 295 km NH44 into a four-lane road. These two pivotal connectivity initiatives are vital for economic growth, particularly in the horticultural sector and tourism. The previous year, road closures due to landslides and geological instability led to widespread protests by fruit growers and merchants, resulting in a staggering loss of over INR 1,500 crores to the apple industry, which forms the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. The Kashmir Valley is responsible for approximately 75 percent of India’s apple production and contributes around 8.2 percent to the UT’s GDP. The successful execution of these critical connectivity projects will help control surging airfares during peak tourist seasons and bring about a transformation in the tourism and horticulture sectors. Moreover, it will foster economic and ideological integration, necessitating heightened vigilance and strategic measures against Pakistan’s disruptive agencies and evolving terror policies by both security forces and the local Kashmiri population.
While more than four years have passed since the momentous decision by the Government of India to abrogate Article 370, the region has undergone significant changes. Plagued by separatism, cross-border terrorism, and insurgency, the region has never received the requisite support to evolve into a prominent global tourism hub. However, with the vision of transforming Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh into world-renowned tourism hubs, the sector is experiencing a resurgence.
The completion of the Chenab Bridge, a marvel costing Rs. 1,327 crores under the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project, marks a transformative moment. In tandem, a comprehensive corridor network within the picturesque Kashmir Valley is on track for completion within the next four years. The Government of India has left no stone unturned, channelling substantial efforts into enhancing the region’s infrastructure to captivate both locals and visitors. This multifaceted approach has catalysed a remarkable surge in tourist activities, underpinned by improved law and order, robust security measures, and a peaceful ambiance, all complemented by upgraded connectivity and infrastructure. The Kashmir Valley, now a global tourism magnet, particularly benefits traders, small businesses, and the working class. The introduction of international flights has capitalized on this period of tranquillity, bolstering tourism further. Beyond leisure pursuits, religious tourism within the Union Territory enjoys smooth and secure operations.
To ensure sustained growth throughout the year, the government has adopted a comprehensive socioeconomic development model, penetrating deep into block-level areas. This macroeconomic strategy aims to generate 5-6 lakh jobs, igniting momentum for additional capital investments in manufacturing and services. Noteworthy achievements include the iconic Tulip Garden of Kashmir, setting records with an unprecedented number of visitors during its opening week, making it the most-visited garden in Asia. Concurrently, the administration has orchestrated captivating experiences for tourists exploring the Kashmir Valley, with a special focus on the enchanting Manasbal Lake in Ganderbal. Here, a festival showcases local art, culture, cuisine, and water sports, further enhancing the region’s allure.
(Ms. Sunanda Garain is a doctoral fellow at Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar. She has recently conducted fieldwork in Kashmir)
