How Safe Is Kashmir
Beauty of Kashmir is breathtaking and thus this valley is rightly described as paradise on earth. Carpets of saffron resembling lotus petals are spread as far as eye can see. Magnificent sweeps of forested hills is magnified with long stretching meadows of blooming flowers. Water in form of lakes, springs and rivers gushes forward and play a rhythm all over the valley. It is home of Lord Shiva attracting thousands of devotees who wishes to be blessed by deity and thus carry out their blissful journey crossing steep mountains and glaciers. British discovered Kashmir and were astonished by its beauty. They decided to purchase some property but were stopped from doing same. This is how various houseboats made their appearance in crystal clear Dal lake and nearby Nageen lake.
Tourism Today:-
Today there is a great jump seen in number of tourists visiting Kashmir when compared to 1990's and 2000's. At that time terrorism was at peak and now increase in tourism is due to the return of the peace. State government of Jammu and Kashmir intensely focuses every year to revive tourism. They even provide capital subsidies for the sake of construction of hotels, for buying equipments related to adventure sports and do not even tax certain tourism-related activities. Kashmir until 1980's was one of the hot favorite destinations. Every film maker loved to shoot their films in the valley. But then militancy destroyed everything. However, now the film makers are coming back. Recently Rockstar and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani were shot in this breathtaking valley. Tourism today is in full bloom the way tulips bloom at Mughal gardens every year.
Terrorism continues in LOC. However, it imparts no effects on tourism. Visitors when they spread a word of assurance that Kashmir is safe and secure, it instills confidence among others. Only a small portion of people are trouble-makers. War and non-violence has not changed goodness among people of Kashmir. Everyone is happy to see tourists coming as they understand how important tourism is for growth of economy.
Militancy in Kashmir:-
Fear within hearts of civilians and tourists still exist that violence and instability may return to the valley. Earlier Kashmir valley was prone to civil unrest. There was a time when it was declared off-limits to tourists and travel was discouraged. Here and there even today news of militant opening fire on security forces is heard. It is "Heaven on Earth' but most important is please "Stay Safe".
Kashmir earlier never heard of crime. There were no murders, gang wars, rapes, pick pockets or any sort of crime in the valley. Women were safe and respected. Tourists who visited Kashmir then if asked would recall and agree that it was no less than a Paradise. Conditions were such that conflict was forced upon Kashmir. However, war and non-violence has not changed goodness among Kashmiri. Militants rarely targeted tourists. It was always civilians. Tensions have been prevailing between two countries since more than two decades and Indo- Pakistani border as always is on high alert. Two decades of old conflict still terrifies people and haunts tourism. Heaven was turned into most militarized area of world. Unrest in valley resulted in a complete shutdown.
Kashmir was once described as "most dangerous place in the world". Thousands of civilians were targeted by different armed groups. They continued torture and summary executions. This trouble started when two countries were born out of a single one. Most important problem is terrorism. It resulted from territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. Thousands of people lost their lives. Both countries claim Kashmir to be under their territory. Military has played a very important role in valley to bring peace and stability. Even in October 2014, both countries exchanged gunfire on LOC. This resulted in death of civilians. Even today people in villages nearby border are living in threat.
Security Measures in Valley:-
Security procedures are tight. Now visitors do not experience any sort of inconvenience and thus there is no cause for concern. People of Kashmir are polite, warm, soft spoken and very friendly. Thus, one will always feel a homely ambiance around them. To help tourists in all the ways and prevent them from being cheated, harassed, Tourist Police is posted in almost all the places of tourist attractions in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists can anytime visit their nearest tourism officer. Their complaints will be registered and solved. Unfortunately if any tourist get caught in an attack it is recommended for him to remain calm and slowly move towards nearest shop or home and remain there by maintaining low profile till conditions become stable. If there isn't any shop or a shelter that can accommodate then it is better to lye down on ground and should never make an attempt to run away from there as it can cause lots of trouble. Follow an important rule and that is watch and do follow people around you.
Two decades ago, Downtown which is old town of Srinagar was very unstable and tourists were discouraged from going there. Today, the whole of Srinagar town is very safe. A stay in houseboat in Dal lake or Nageen lake is recommended along with leisurely stroll on Boulevard road running parallel to Dal lake. Taj Group opened Vivanta above Dal Lake. Kashmir's first luxury houseboat is also opened to encourage tourism. Other nearby attractions like Gulmarg and Sonamarg are perfectly safe too. Gulmarg famous for its gondola ride and Sonamarg which is an entry point for Amarnath Yatra is visited by large number of tourists every year. Both these places have resorts and one can prefer to stay over there and explore the areas either by opting to take leisurely walks or by pony rides. Pahalgam is most scenic of all but a little quieter and thus a matter of little concern with respect to safety.
Measures of Safety:-
To make journey hassle free and a memorable one, make all arrangements in advance and gather enough information about Kashmir valley. A guide accompanying will not only help to provide details but also will ensure safety. In 2014, Jammu and Kashmir was severely affected by monsoon causing deaths of several people and washing all infrastructures. Even at that time tourism was discouraged. Before visiting check latest situations. Do not drive alone or travel alone outside the city. Engage registered guides only. Always carry identification proof. Never trek in places that are not safe. If trekking is a passion than always pick destinations in Kashmir valley which are safe or go for organized trekking tours. Be a smart traveler and update yourself with current news, travel tips, weather forecast and other details regarding valley.
Peace and stability are two essential factors that can create boom or help in continuing boom in tourism industry. Almost everyone visiting this valley would question and would desperately seek for answers regarding their safety this is because safety comes first. Kashmir is back to top the list of hot tourist destinations. Conflict has become stable since the year 2003. Security in the valley has been beefed up. Security forces all around the valley helps tourist to stay safe and tourists too feel secure in their hands.
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