Srinagar, Oct 30 (KNO): More than 5.20 lakh tourists, including local and non-local visitors, have visited border areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir this year so far, with Gurez in Bandipora district emerging as the most popular destination, followed by Keran in Kupwara, according to provisional estimates.
The figures, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), indicate that Gurez recorded around 1.50 lakh tourist visits, followed by Keran with nearly 1.20 lakh visitors, while Uri registered around 90,000 tourist visits.
Lolab recorded nearly 65,000 visitors, followed by Tangdhar with around 40,000, Machil with 30,000 and Teetwal with nearly 25,000 visitors.
The border destinations have witnessed growing tourist interest in recent years, with visitors attracted by their scenic landscapes, traditional culture and improved security situation.
The areas, which were once frequently affected by cross-LoC shelling and clashes, have witnessed a significant transformation following the reaffirmation of the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement in February 2021.
Residents who earlier had to leave their homes during periods of shelling are now opening them to tourists and running homestays and other tourism-related businesses.
Speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), residents said the decline in cross-border firing had allowed tourism and other economic activities to grow in the border areas.
Abdul Majeed, a resident of Gurez, said tourism-related activity had increased in the area throughout the year and credited the administration, Army and local residents for promoting the region.
He also called for a separate development authority for Gurez to improve infrastructure and support the growing tourism sector.
Abdul Hameed Lone, another resident of Gurez, said the region had witnessed a significant increase in tourist activity in recent years.
"Earlier, people were hesitant to visit because of the situation along the border. The situation has changed, and tourism has increased," he said.
Suhail Ahmad, a homestay owner from Keran, said more government support was needed to develop the border areas as tourism destinations.
"Our culture, simple way of life and traditional practices are among the things that visitors want to experience. More support is needed so that tourism can benefit local families," he said.
Residents of Karnah and Uri also expressed hope that peace along the LoC would continue, saying the absence of shelling had helped improve life and economic activity in border villages.
The ceasefire has also changed social life in several border areas. Residents said they can now organise weddings and other functions in their homes instead of moving to safer locations.
"There was a time when we had to spend days inside underground bunkers to protect ourselves from shelling. It was difficult to survive, and organising a marriage function was almost impossible," said Saleem Ahmad, a resident of Tangdhar.
In another development, Gurez was connected to the electricity grid for the first time this year, ending a long-standing demand of residents.
The opening of Shinon Meeras, a cultural centre dedicated to the Dard-Shina community, has also added a cultural dimension to tourism in Gurez. The centre focuses on preserving the heritage and language of the community.
In Lolab, tourism promotion has also received recognition, with the valley being named the Best Offbeat Destination at the Outlook Traveller Awards in 2023.
In Uri, the historic Kaman Bridge, also known as Aman Setu, linking the area with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, is being developed as a potential tourism destination. Restrictions on civilian access to Kaman Post were also eased this year, allowing visitors to reach the historic location.
The growth in tourism has been supported by initiatives of the Army, district administrations and the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, which have organised events and programmes to promote border areas.
Residents said continued peace along the LoC would be crucial for sustaining tourism, generating employment and improving economic opportunities in these otherwise remote areas—(KNO)