MIAN TUFAIL
SOME associations dig deeper beyond the surface. There are hues and layers to them that are so complex that they can be almost indefinable; yet they are the most significant too.
The relationship between Kashmir and the Indian Army is something like this.
The role of the Indian Army in Kashmir has been a complex and a long-standing one, marked by its involvement in maintaining law and order, counter-insurgency operations, and border security. Since the 1990s, the situation in Kashmir has had a graph that’s been far from normal. With rampant insurgency, the Army has had a tough job at hand for long decades, having to contain the situation. And now, after toiling across the years, it has successfully and peacefully managed to contain the law and order situation in Kashmir and finally, the backbone of terrorism has been broken there.
After having played a role in maintaining law and order, conducting search and cordon operations and assisting the civil administration in restoring normalcy, the role of the Indian Army has witnessed a paradigm shift. Besides counter-insurgency operations, it has been participating in providing assistance during natural disasters, in infrastructural development for education, development of roads and bridges in remote areas, imparting skill education to the youth of Kashmir and yes, playing a crucial role in making far-off and remote places in Kashmir accessible to tourists.
- Stretching possibilities for tourists
The role of the Indian Army has been huge when it comes to tourists exploring places like Bangus, Keran and Machil. Its role primarily involves facilitating and ensuring safety and security of tourists, besides supporting infrastructural development and conservation efforts in these areas. All these newly-turned-touristy places are in close proximity with Pakistan which poses a security challenge also. The Army has the responsibility of maintaining a secure environment for tourists, including holding regular patrols, manning check-posts and constant surveillance.
Not long back, these tourist places were out of bounds and unknown even to the people of Kashmir, leave alone outsiders. But the Indian Army has placed these places on to the tourism map of Kashmir by deeply exploring their possibilities and providing accessibility and enabling smooth passage to visitors. Today, we witness the mega Bangus Festival organised by the UT government and winter carnivals in these places with huge footfall of local and domestic tourists. Though these explorations are at a nascent stage but the picture perfect reality they offer has been pulling tourists.
- For a smooth passage
An Army official, talking to Kashmir Central, says that the Army is providing support to facilitate tourists to these sensitive regions since national security is also a prime concern. Says he, “We have installed check-points only to keep a vigilant eye on the passage of tourists. Earlier, we used to provide passes and kept identity cards of the tourists with us but now we have done away with those practices and are trying to provide hassle-free movement to the visitors. Tourists too must cooperate with us and should bear in mind that our check-points are meant for their security”.
He further adds, “The Army has been stationed at vital places where there are threats of militant intrusion. So naturally, we keep an eye on places that are virginal and yet to be discovered. To develop a place for tourism is the job of our government while we offer our best insights to the administration”.
- On to the map
The Army is playing a vital role in bringing some such places on to the world’s tourism map. Tourism in Kashmir has remained confined to places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar due to which rural and border area tourism were ignored. In fact, only recently, at the conclave by Kashmir Central, experts and stakeholders debated measures to chalk out strategies to expand tourism in rural areas which actually has huge potential and offers mega opportunities to the local residents.
- Getting the logistics right
“The Army also provides logistic support for the construction of accommodations and infrastructure development in order to build bridges and roads,” says the office, adding, “We have also organised a number of tourism festivals in these areas only to showcase the world the rich beauty these places offer. We also emphasise upon environment protection to provide sustainable tourism, and implement conservation measures. Bangus, Keran are virginal places which are yet to be fully explored and to have long, sustainable tourism, it is important to preserve these places environmentally”.
- Facilitating cultural exchange
The Army also facilitates cultural exchange in which tourists interact with the local communities so as to learn about their traditions, cuisine and ways of livelihood. This helps in enhancing the bond and understanding between tourists and the local population.
- Handling the elements
Bangus, Keran, Gurez and Machil are rugged and rough terrains and tourists find it difficult to cross through during adverse weather conditions. In such situations, the Army provides help and often sends rescue and search teams to help locate and assist stranded tourists.
It is essential to strike a balance between promoting tourism and preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these regions. The involvement of the Army is instrumental in ensuring that tourism benefits the local economy while safeguarding national security and environmental conservation. Coordination with the civilian authorities and local communities is crucial in achieving these goals.
Sure enough, the role of the Indian Army in Kashmir is multi-faceted, involving not only security but also humanitarian and peacekeeping aspects. It remains a complex and sensitive aspect, and the situation continues to evolve, with political, social, and security dynamics at play in the region. The Army’s role has been shaped by these dynamics, as well as by offering deep insights of the places unknown to the populace of the region.
