Footfall of tourists increase along LoC

The peace that prevailed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir has not only brought relief to the dwellers there but has helped them to earn their livelihood. Amidst the peaceful atmosphere, a couple of places along the Line of Control have turned into a major tourism hub in the Union Territory, which has helped the local youth, women and especially the educated people to earn their livelihood. A media report has recently quoted the officials, claiming that 60,000 people have visited Gurez this year, which was once a no go zone for visitors due to the unsuitable conditions. Similarly, the Secretary Tourism Syed Abid Rasheed Shah has been quoted as saying that 2 lakh visitors have thronged to north Kashmir’s Kupwara district this year, which shows that the flow towards the border districts and villages are increasing at a rapid pace. These places have been witnessing a change on the ground as after the government’s assistance, many people have turned their houses as homestay facilities for the visitors, which helped them to earn their livelihood. The days are gone when the people were scared of the unsuitable atmosphere as everything has changed on the ground and the people are now focussed towards their goal of progress. But, a couple of measures are must at this juncture while the better health care facilities especially in the far-off places that are turning into a major tourism hub are imperative so that the visitors will not be pushed to the wall in any case of emergency.