Kashmir Valley Tourism Resumes After Uplifted Ban

After two months of tourists shut down in Jammu and Kashmir, the valley is all set to welcome back tourists from this October 10th onwards. Tourism was banned in the state of J&K upon the revocation of article 370, which extended special status to Jammu and Kashmir. After two months of restricted tourism into Kashmir, travellers would now be thrilled over this decision. 

Governor Satya Pal Mullick announced the decision of lifting the curb on Monday after a formal meeting with the chief secretary and advisers for a “situation-cum-security review.”

Why Were There Imposed Restrictions? 

On August 2nd, 2019, the Center advised tourists and pilgrims to cut-short their trips to Kashmir and also imposed a ban on the Amarnath Yatra, causing great distress to the visitors in the state. However, these actions were put forth keeping “intelligence inputs of terror threats” in mind, thus ensuring the safety of the state and its citizens. 

Lifted Restrictions

On Wednesday, Higher Secondary Schools and Colleges in the state were also reopened by the administration. 

Local Testimonies
Sri Pratap College was under massive security surveillance over the past two months. A chemistry student shared the experience of visiting the college during this period. The student said, “I came here to get the study material and not to attend the classes. The teachers told us that the classes could only start once the situation becomes normal”. 

Eventual Developments
Other restrictions imposed on the state since the revocation of article 370 have been lifted as well, and the situation is gradually functioning back into normalcy. However, the internet and mobile blockage imposition are still in force. 

Electoral Proceedings To Be Held 

The Block Development Council Elections, the first elections post-August 5th is also announced by the administration.  

The Congress' Say In This
Responding to which, the Congress party has decided to boycott the elections. J&K Congress chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir said “The Congress believes in strengthening democratic institutions and it has never shied away from any polls. But today, we are compelled to decide to boycott the BDC polls due to the indifferent attitude of the state administration and the continued detention of senior party leaders in the Valley”. 

Other News 

Farooq Abdullah (National Conference President)  and his son Omar Abdullah along with the PDP leaders have been in detention since August 5. On October 6th, the Abdullahs were allowed to meet the party delegation in Srinagar. 

Are you happy with the ban upliftment? Let us know in the comments below!