Tasaduq Hussain
Kupwara, May 3: Aimed to obviate the hardships suffered by the general public of Karnah sector, a cafeteria has come up at Sadhna Top in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district for the first time in the last 7 decades.
Nastachun Pass popularly known as Sadhna Top is a mountainous pass in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. It connects the Karnah sector with the rest of Kashmir valley.
Prone to snow avalanches, mudslides, and untimely closure, the mountainous pass has always been a challenge for the people of the Karnah sector. Mainly during inclement weather and winters, people face immense hardships. People often get stuck for hours due to the area being prone to shooting stones, slides, and unfit to travel during downpours.
Given the strategic importance, passengers also have to undergo security checking.
An official said that the cafeteria was opened to do away the hardships suffered by the people of Karnah while they were waiting for their vehicles and persons to be checked.
He said that the cafe will have heating arrangements and will be run by a local person.
“Two toilets have been constructed for the women. Existing toilets will cater to the men’s folk,” he said.
About the increasing tourist footfall in border areas like Teethwal, the official said that the cafe will also be a boon for tourists coming to Karnah.
“There is no such facility between Chowkibal and Tangdhar (Karnah Sector),” the official said.
He also informed that the cafe will be called “Karna’s Kitchen.”
Meanwhile, people have hailed the efforts of the Army involved in helping to make travel more convenient and feasible for the general public.
Abdul Rashid, a local from Tangdhar said that the cafeteria undoubtedly will be a source of ease for the general public travelling toward either Karnah or Chowkibal. “Not only men and women but rather children and elderly also have this lone road to travel. Hourly jams and inconveniences due to untimely snowfall and rains would halt traffic for hours. It would leave all to starve in the woods at the mountainous pass on god mercy,” he said.
Shazia, another local, said that the cafeteria would help everyone to be at ease and enjoy the atmosphere. “There was no such facility available from Tangdhar to Chowkibal. The toilet facility was not available even for women, this is definitely going to be a breather for all of us here,” she said.
Azhar Ahmad, a local tourist guide, said that the cafeteria will be of high importance for the patients and tourists. “Patients can avail water, tea and rest at the facility which wasn’t available for many decades now. Tourists can relax and have coffee and snacks at their will while they enjoy the scenic beauty of higher altitude,’’ he said.
Azhar said that this place is covered by lush green forests and can be pivotal to attract more tourists to border places. “In the longer run, it will be very beneficial for border residents in many ways including attracting tourists,’’ he added.
