HOW SAFE IT IS TO VISIT KASHMIR NOW?
Most un-informed tourists are a tad apprehensive about Kashmir. Thanks to the biased news by media, the first image Kashmir conjured is of the rampant militancy. Tourists often, and understandably, have reservations about visiting Kashmir.After all, this picturesque region is prone to civil unrest and violence. So, the prerequisite questions every tourist have?
IS IT SAFE TO VISIT KASHMIR?
Tourists in Kashmir have never been deliberately targeted or harmed. Instead, angry protesters have actually given tourist vehicles safe passage. In general, Kashmiris are hospitable people, and tourism is an important industry and source of income for them. Hence, they will go out of their way to make sure visitors are safe.
WHAT ABOUT ONGOING PROTESTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS?
Post 2016 Mass demonstration Gov’t of India Govt in General and Local Govt in particular has taken various reformative measures for rehabilitation and reconciliation of disturbed masses and as a result the normal life has resumed peacefully. The economic activities which generally rely on Tourism have picked up considerably. In summer of 2017 more than 3 Hundred thousand tourists have visited Kashmir valley to be mesmerised by the beauty of the valley and relish the delicacies of hospitable Kashmiri’s. However, in order to generate the TRP of the channels, the media has been portraying Kashmir in gray shades since the uprising of 2016. Be it the visual effects of Old Videos or constant debates on the situation of Kashmir by bringing the paid debaters. Hartals and curfews are no more part of daily life. The huge inflow of Tourist in the present season stands the testament for the normalcy of the situation.
Things took a further turn for the worse in February 2019, after a attack on convoy of vehicles carrying Central Reserve Police Force security personnel in the Pulwama district about an hour south of Srinagar. More than 40 people were killed. A series battles between security and militants followed in various areas of the state.Security was increased and the police focused on ensuring the safety of tourists. However, the intermittent violence had a noticeably negative impact on tourism in Srinagar and Kashmir. It created a widespread perception that the region isn’t safe, and tourist numbers failed to pick up despite a series of promotional campaigns.
On August 5, 2019, the Indian government made the landmark decision to remove Kashmir’s special autonomous status, thereby effectively integrating Kashmir into India as a Union Territory.
Tourists continued to be unsure about visiting Kashmir in early 2020 and stayed away. In late March, the COVID-19 pandemic again caused Kashmir to be locked down and all businesses closed. Following the lifting of restrictions in July, the tourism department has been holding various events to promote the region and encourage tourists to return.
As of October 2020, Kashmir is peaceful, and there haven’t been any recent disturbances.As per article in HIndustan Times Newspaper on Feb 14 2021,The number of tourists arriving in Jammu and Kashmir to holiday has increased in the last three months, since the snow fall began. If this rush of tourists continues, it can break the record of last three years.
Local People of Kashmir- (By one famous Blogger after visiting Kashmir)
All citizens of Kashmir are so friendly in nature. On my trip, I find the best hospitality in Kashmir in all over India and other places I visited yet. They respect their guest as the god. All people are so helpful and very nice in nature. If anyone asks me for the best place to visit in India, I always say- Kashmir without thinking anything in my mind. If you are going to Kashmir, Talk with local people as much as you can. I bet you will feel amazing.
On my 5 days trip to Srinagar Kashmir, I met many tourists and backpackers. As a travel blogger, I want to their suggestion also about Kashmir safety, so I asked them some questions about the safety issue in Kashmir for tourist. The tourists are from Kolkata, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Delhi, Abu Dhabi and Australia. I got the same answer from all those tourists is- Of course, Srinagar Kashmir is safe for tourist and all people are good in nature and all are tourist friendly. All say that they also expected Kashmir is unsafe before visiting here, but after this trip, they all are satisfied with the safety of Kashmir for travellers.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?
“Stop believing rumour mongers and Start Booking now.” Kashmir is as safe as its beauty.https://www.youtube.com/embed/QYnHwzMTwqo