
Militancy and its Effect on Kashmir Tourism !
Cross Border Terrorism and Militant activities began to rise in 1989 and the Kashmir Tourism falls under the grip of Terrorism.Before 1989, the Tourism Industry is the major source of Income for the Thousands of Kashmiris.There were harsh orders by the Kashmiri extremists to the Tourists to the follow their Rules and Regulations.Prior to Militancy, Kashmir is Favourite Destination for Bollywood Films and Sight Seeing for Travellers.
A Recent Bollywood Make " Lamha " starring Sanjay Dutt and Bipasha Basu picturizes the Current situation in Kashmir and its effects on the Kashmir Tourism.
Effects on Amarnath Yatra
The worst effect of Militancy was seen in 1991, when Amaranth Yatra was banned from 1991 to 1995 following the threat by Militants.But in 1996, the militants had given the assurance that they would not target Pilgrims who wish to perform the Amarnath Yatra.
2000 Massacre
In 2000, 30 Innocent Amaranth Pilgrims were killed by Militants in Pahalgam when they were on their way to Amarnath Holy cave.The attack was led by Laskhar-e-Toiaba (LET).The killings were widely condemned by all sections of society
Normalcy Returns and its effects on Kashmir Tourism
A question is always asked, Who lose the most in the Militancy era since 1989, the answer is neither India nor Pakistan, but only Kashmir and Kashmirs.Kashmir Tourism Industry is worst hit by Pakistan Sponsored Cross Border Terrorism.But Since 2004, the Ministerial Level Talks between India and Pakistan had shown some good results and normalcy again return to Kashmir
The effect of Normalcy in Kashmir begin to show and in 2009, the Kashmir became one of the top tourist destinations in India.In 2012, close to 7.5 lakh tourists including 23,000 foreigners had visited the Kashmir and taking into account the same trend, it is expected that 10 Lakh to 12 lakh tourists are likely visit Kashmir in 2012.These growing number of Tourist really rejuvenates Kashmir Tourism.
Top Kashmir Tourism Destinations
Kashmir itself is a paradise on earth, and the place has been blessed with Charming and euending Beauty and Glory.The Mughual Emperorer, Shah Jahan said in the the prasie of Kashmir that "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast". means If there exists a heaven on earth, it is here (Kashmir).
Some of the Popular Kashmir Tourism attractions are:
- Dal Lake: The World Famous Lake with Houseboats and Shikaras sailing over it
- Mughual Gardens: Famous Gardens bulit at the time of Mughuals.
- Chashma Shahi:
- Pari Mahal
- Sharnkracharaya Temple
- Khir Bhawaini
- Gulmarg
- Pahalgam
- Sonmarg
- Yusmarg
The List is endless and these are only the most traversed Tourist Destinations in Kashmir.