Situation very Bad in Srinagar (Kashmir)

gs_uppal

Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar burnt down by Terrorists today, just a day before the restart of Srinagar-Muzzafarabad Bus after 57 years.

The over-publicity given to it by the Govt (both Centre & State) and the Media is definitely to be blamed, they nearly challenge the terrorists to do something against the Bus service.

What do other IMers think ???

Bigzero

Quite sad, but somewhat expected. These guys don't like to stay away from the limelight. the bus had suddenly taken the attention away from them .

Now the bus will become an easy target to make a point. Gives one the shivers.

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Alan D

I doubt if it would have made any difference if publicity had been less. I'm sure these guys have a network of informers scattered around Srinagar.

They obviously don't want the situation to be "normalised" and this is a warning. As with all extremists, I'm sure they are quite prepared to take the lives of innocent civilians to make a political point.

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gs_uppal

The Govt and Media projected it as The Biggest Confidence Building Measure (CBM) in the 57 years of Indian History to Resolve The Kashmir Dispute, and every Group tried to take credit for it.

SHIMLA

A setback for tourism in Kashmir and yet another blow to those whose livelihood depends on tourists.

A setback for Himachal too, as it will now witness a fresh onslaught of tourists

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agatemike

I would like to say that I visited J&K as a child in the 60s and trekked to the Amarnath caves.

There was no militancy and a great time was had by all.

I urge all Indians and many foreigners to make it a point of going to J&K.

J&K is a one of the states of India 'just like ay other' - so do not leave it out of your itenerery.

gs_uppal

J&K is not 'just like any other state' in India, it is must much beautiful than any other state.

I'v been to J&K four times, but all long back. Everytime i used to go to my Grandparents place in Punjab (1 month summer holidays during school), my Dad would make changes to the plan and we would go to J&K for 8-10 days from there.

Srinagar with Dal lake, Nag, Wular Lake, and all the Gardens- Shalimar, Chaar Chinar, Nishaat, Chashme Shahi, Hazratbal & all the beautiful places around - Gulmarg, Pehalgaum, Sonmarg, Patnitop (it was just a barren village when we visited the first time, we were told it will be changed in a few years time) are a must see for any traveller.

Jehangir the Mughal King who created most of these Gardens had rightly said for Kashmir "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto". (If there is a heaven on earth, it' s here, it' s here, it' s here).

Rob_The_Pom

We must bear in mind that you can still see some wonderful areas of Kashmir that are entirely violence free.
I went to Panikhar - easily reached via Leh and Kargil - a couple of years ago and found it the most extraordinary place.
There has never been in any violence in this part and it sees few tourists.

I must admit I'm not sure I particularly fancy a visit to Srinager and its surrounds, not because I'm 'scared' (maybe I should be, dunno), but it just seems like it would be a sad and heartbreaking place.
Of course, I'm sure the people working in the tourist industry there would love to see each and every one of us visit.
It is people who live there, who are not involved in violence and just want to live normal lives that I feel most sympathy for.

Well, that's my 2p worth....

RTP

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Shiver me Timbers

Here it is guys, grim news indeed.

seventies'hippy

Welcome to Indiamike agatemike,
Pleased to hear of another IM'er making it upto the mighty Ice Lingam,,,,,,,,

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Farooq

Hey !

I'am also new on this forum, after travelling many years round the world the Internet network is a much bigger maze than the planet...

But I'm from Kashmir and I know what's going on in Srinagar and around, and I am very sad to read lot of propaganda in Indian newspapers. In fact the situation has improved a lot since more than one year, and the opening of the road from Srinagar to Muzzaffarabad on April 7th sounded like the fall of Berlin Wall for the brothers and sisters which have been separated for 58 years.

I wonder if Srinagar (from where Manmohan Singh has decided to reduce troops stationement) is really more dangerous nowadays than the Basque region in North Spain or Corsica Island in France?

Anyway as a Kahsmiri you may also be cautious about what I say, but then why Srinagar is sold out for this summer? Many Indian tourists have gone to Dal Lake for houseboat vacations, and we can also see foreign tourists from the US, Israel, France, Korea...

So if you have recently travelled in Kashmir as a tourist, and if you found it beautiful and safe, please let us know on this forum...

Thanks in advance in the name of those who suffered a lot from the situation in Kashmir : the shikara community, the houseboat community...

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[URL=http://www.india-peacock-travel.com]www.india-peacock-travel.com[/URL]
Delhi based travel agent
Inbound tours from Kashmir to Kanyakumari

ddevadatta

I seem to disagree on a few levels with this posting. I did travel to Kashmir as a kid and I must say the place must be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. This is what makes the situation so tragic.

But common sense, precaution and safety should always prevail over the sentiments that locals might have for their place. Perception is reality and if a place is perceived not to be safe, it kills tourim no matter how well meaning locals might be in singing a different tune. To blame media for the trouble in that area is misguided and misplaced. The media is not blowing up places and destroying the local economy. Let's get real!

I led groups to Israel and after the so called uprising in 2000 I couldn't take groups because people were just afraid. Perception is reality even though in all likelyhood we would have been safe, because we hired Palestinian Bus Companies (Incidently the Palestinian owned buses are not blown up).

My advice to the foreign traveler is do not travel in/to Kashmir. Till the locals clean up their own mess, Kashmir will have to suffer. Why should a tourist and foreigner potentially suffer for our own shit as Indians?

Till we understand that conflict and destabilizing activities are evil and we get determined to destroy such evil (by force even) we have to accept the fact that such regions will suffer from a lack of influx of outside funds to enhance the local economy. They who choose to destabilize are to be held accountable, no one else. Period!

I would love to go back to Kashmir (perhaps God's dwelling on earth) but till the locals say enough is enough I say let them suffer from lacking tourist funds.

Do Not Travel to Kashmir!!!!!

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Paula

Well, now I have to put my two cents worth in. I was in Kashmir last May and have to say that it was a definite highlight to the year I spent in India. Sure military abound but the people and place definately make up for it. We (two single, white females) felt safe and accepted everywhere we went. People we courteous, kind and welcoming and we were very, very sad to leave.

Srinigar was full of Indian tourists when we were there. Not too many Westerners but they were going in small numbers and having an amazing time.


Of course, everyone needs to make up their own minds about travelling there - we did have problems on the way back to Dharamsala, a bombing on the highway which killed a number of people. That's the reality of the place and there is no escaping the truth.

Kashmir is without doubt the most beautiful place I have visited and the people warm and welcoming and despite the tragedy on the road home, I will definately be visiting Kashmir again when I am next in India.

ddevadatta

Just saw this joke on travelling guide for Kashmir

" Kashmir: Snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, quaint ageless traditions, and beautiful valleys which are filled with the sounds of staccato gunfire. Stroll through centuries old marketplaces, touch lovingly handcrafted local ware, and witness a real-life kidnapping by local terrorists... Look up at the clear blue skies at just the right moment (timing is everything) and you may see a rocket bomb arching gracefully through the air."

shubho

I think ddevadutta's views are at best simplistic, at worst vengeful. He seems to hold every Kashmiri responsible for the violence.
Not every indian thinks the way he does.