Kashmir was always famous for places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, but with the opening of areas close to the line of control, a huge number of tourists are visiting and exploring these areas. Along with the beauty of these mountain ranges, tourists are excited to see a border that divides the two countries.&nbsp;

The guns have fallen silent on the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan for over two years now. And after these peaceful years, the government of Jammu and Kashmir, along with the department of tourism, have opened many areas close to the LoC for tourists and visitors.&nbsp;

The people living on the line of control are finally living a peaceful life and are ready to welcome tourists from across the country and world. The areas close to LoC in North Kashmir include Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil and Bangus that have been added to the new list of tourist places in the valley.&nbsp;

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"We have been promoting the border areas. We don’t want haphazard development; we want to maintain our ecology. It was very difficult to come to these places few years ago but after the abrogation of article 370, we are opening border areas and tourists are loving it. Tourism is the back bone of the valley and this will help in building the economy of these areas. The response has been fantastic, people are so excited," said Raja Yaqoob Farooq, Director, Tourism, Kashmir.&nbsp;

The department of tourism has prepared a plan to build infrastructure in these areas while keeping the&nbsp;environment in mind. They are also providing employment and generating economic opportunities for the local people of these areas.

“Keran is a very important tourist destination among the bordering areas open for tourists. We are trying to provide the infrastructure. You can apply for an e-pass. Within 24 hours, you get the pass to visit. The biggest gain will be for the locals. Tourism can provide employment, it can help in building infrastructure, it will boost the local economy,” said Ayushi Sudan, DC Kupwara.&nbsp;

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With breathtaking views of hills and rivers, these places are being promoted as adventure tourism destinations. And what is exciting is waving at people from across the border. People from various parts of the country come to witness these visuals.&nbsp;

“I am extremely happy; I had seen this on the social media and I came to see the place with my family. It looks better than what I saw on social media. Looking at Pakistani people from so close&nbsp;is also very nice and exciting. I will tell everyone to come here. It’s without fencing border and is amazing" said Raju J, a tourist.&nbsp;

Significantly, Kashmir has witnessed record breaking tourist arrivals in the last four months. With all the major tourist destinations of the Kashmir Valley like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg fully booked for most of the season. The government says that promoting these sites will also help in meeting the huge influx of tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

"When there used to be ceasefire violations, we used to run for our lives. It’s so peaceful now. Nothing happened in&nbsp;last 70 years, but in the last four&nbsp;years, things have changed drastically. Our roads are better, our water and electricity is better. I congratulate the central government and Indian army for their exemplary work. It’s a beautiful scene when people from both the countries wave at each other," said Mumtaz Khan, a local.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has played a major role in opening these areas to the public. The entire security system in these areas is under the Indian Army and they are not only protecting these areas but also promoting them as tourist destinations. The local people of the area say that without the Indian Army, it would not be possible to welcome tourists in these areas.

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Kashmir was always famous for places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, but with the opening of areas close to the line of control, a huge number of tourists are visiting and exploring these areas.

Kashmir was always famous for places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, but with the opening of areas close to the line of control, a huge number of tourists are visiting and exploring these areas. Along with the beauty of these mountain ranges, tourists are excited to see a border that divides the two countries. The guns have fallen silent on the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan for over two years now. And after these peaceful years, the government of Jammu and Kashmir, along with the department of tourism, have opened many areas close to the LoC for tourists and visitors. The people living on the line of control are finally living a peaceful life and are ready to welcome tourists from across the country and world. The areas close to LoC in North Kashmir include Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil and Bangus that have been added to the new list of tourist places in the valley. Also read | India: Tata Lockheed Martin makes, delivers parts for 200 ‘C-130J’ military planes "We have been promoting the border areas. We don’t want haphazard development; we want to maintain our ecology. It was very difficult to come to these places few years ago but after the abrogation of article 370, we are opening border areas and tourists are loving it. Tourism is the back bone of the valley and this will help in building the economy of these areas. The response has been fantastic, people are so excited," said Raja Yaqoob Farooq, Director, Tourism, Kashmir. The department of tourism has prepared a plan to build infrastructure in these areas while keeping the environment in mind. They are also providing employment and generating economic opportunities for the local people of these areas. “Keran is a very important tourist destination among the bordering areas open for tourists. We are trying to provide the infrastructure. You can apply for an e-pass. Within 24 hours, you get the pass to visit. The biggest gain will be for the locals. Tourism can provide employment, it can help in building infrastructure, it will boost the local economy,” said Ayushi Sudan, DC Kupwara. Also read | Amit Shah slams opposition for politicising Manipur issue, appeals for peace in state With breathtaking views of hills and rivers, these places are being promoted as adventure tourism destinations. And what is exciting is waving at people from across the border. People from various parts of the country come to witness these visuals. “I am extremely happy; I had seen this on the social media and I came to see the place with my family. It looks better than what I saw on social media. Looking at Pakistani people from so close is also very nice and exciting. I will tell everyone to come here. It’s without fencing border and is amazing" said Raju J, a tourist. Significantly, Kashmir has witnessed record breaking tourist arrivals in the last four months. With all the major tourist destinations of the Kashmir Valley like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg fully booked for most of the season. The government says that promoting these sites will also help in meeting the huge influx of tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley. "When there used to be ceasefire violations, we used to run for our lives. It’s so peaceful now. Nothing happened in last 70 years, but in the last four years, things have changed drastically. Our roads are better, our water and electricity is better. I congratulate the central government and Indian army for their exemplary work. It’s a beautiful scene when people from both the countries wave at each other," said Mumtaz Khan, a local. The Indian Army has played a major role in opening these areas to the public. The entire security system in these areas is under the Indian Army and they are not only protecting these areas but also promoting them as tourist destinations. The local people of the area say that without the Indian Army, it would not be possible to welcome tourists in these areas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kashmir: Border areas opened as guns fall silent, tourists flock to witness scenic beauty

Army chief General MM Naravane on Monday visited the forward posts deployed along the Line of Control(LoC) with Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-restores-mumbai-attack-mastermind-hafiz-saeeds-bank-accounts-312770">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan restores Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's bank accounts</a>

General MM Naravane asserted that there will be "zero tolerance" against ceasefire violations by Pakistan and infiltration attempts by terrorists.

The army chief was briefed by senior commanders on the security situation along the border.

Naravane said that all services including the government are working together to "defeat any nefarious design of proxy war being fueled by our adversaries."

The army chief said that his forces were ready to thwart any "misadventure by country's enemies and handle any situation".

General Naravane's visit comes amid ceasefire violations by Pakistan in J&amp;K amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the region.

On Saturday, Pakistan troops had opened fire in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir along the International Border (IB) which was started on Friday morning. Although there were no casualties but residents in the area were forced to spend the night in underground bunkers.

Police chief Dilbagh Singh had earlier said that Pakistan was trying to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir under the cover of ceasefire violations.

"Efforts are also being made in Kupwara and Baramulla to push more terrorists into this side under the garb of ceasefire violations," Dilbagh Singh said had said last month while claiming that Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group was planning to carry out a major IED-based attack on security forces.

Army chief General MM Naravane on Monday visited the forward posts deployed along the Line of Control(LoC) with Pakistan. Also Read: Pakistan restores Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's bank accounts General MM Naravane asserted that there will be "zero tolerance" against ceasefire violations by Pakistan and infiltration attempts by terrorists.

Army chief General MM Naravane on Monday visited the forward posts deployed along the Line of Control(LoC) with Pakistan. Also Read: Pakistan restores Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's bank accounts General MM Naravane asserted that there will be "zero tolerance" against ceasefire violations by Pakistan and infiltration attempts by terrorists. The army chief was briefed by senior commanders on the security situation along the border. Naravane said that all services including the government are working together to "defeat any nefarious design of proxy war being fueled by our adversaries." The army chief said that his forces were ready to thwart any "misadventure by country's enemies and handle any situation". General Naravane's visit comes amid ceasefire violations by Pakistan in J&K amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the region. On Saturday, Pakistan troops had opened fire in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir along the International Border (IB) which was started on Friday morning. Although there were no casualties but residents in the area were forced to spend the night in underground bunkers. Police chief Dilbagh Singh had earlier said that Pakistan was trying to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir under the cover of ceasefire violations. "Efforts are also being made in Kupwara and Baramulla to push more terrorists into this side under the garb of ceasefire violations," Dilbagh Singh said had said last month while claiming that Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group was planning to carry out a major IED-based attack on security forces.

Zero tolerance against ceasefire violations by Pakistan: Army chief Naravane

Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Wednesday.

The Indian Army is responding strongly and effectively, said officials.

Meanwhile, a woman, who was injured in shelling by Pakistan on Tuesday along Line of Control (LoC) in Gurez sector, succumbed to her injuries today. 
 
"All are afraid including children and elders. The relatives who have come are also afraid of our lives. The government must do something to ensure our safety and security," said a local.

On Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-jawan-killed-as-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-sunderbani-sector-239480">one Army Jawan was killed</a> after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector.&nbsp;

The deceased jawan was identified as 34-year-old Naik Krishan Lal, a resident of Ghagriya village in Akhnoor.&nbsp;

Two Pakistani soldiers were also killed in retaliatory action by the Indian Army.

On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby later succumbed to the injuries.

This is the fourth consecutive day of firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army targeting civilian areas along the LoC.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Wednesday. The Indian Army is responding strongly and effectively, said officials.

Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Wednesday. The Indian Army is responding strongly and effectively, said officials. Meanwhile, a woman, who was injured in shelling by Pakistan on Tuesday along Line of Control (LoC) in Gurez sector, succumbed to her injuries today. "All are afraid including children and elders. The relatives who have come are also afraid of our lives. The government must do something to ensure our safety and security," said a local. On Tuesday, one Army Jawan was killed after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector. The deceased jawan was identified as 34-year-old Naik Krishan Lal, a resident of Ghagriya village in Akhnoor. Two Pakistani soldiers were also killed in retaliatory action by the Indian Army. On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby later succumbed to the injuries. This is the fourth consecutive day of firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army targeting civilian areas along the LoC. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district; one woman succumbs to injuries

One Army Jawan was killed on Tuesday after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
The deceased jawan was identified as 34-year-old Naik Krishan Lal, a resident of Ghagriya village in Akhnoor.&nbsp;

Pakistan also violated ceasefire in Tangdhar and Keran sector. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory action by the Indian Army, said officials.&nbsp;

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Army Sources: Two Pakistani soldiers killed in retaliatory action by Indian Army in Tangdhar-Keran sector. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/52bz89jMGW">https://t.co/52bz89jMGW</a>
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On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby later succumbed to the injuries. 
 
Meanwhile, two other civilians who were injured in the firing are now stable. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

One Army Jawan was killed on Tuesday after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

One Army Jawan was killed on Tuesday after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. The deceased jawan was identified as 34-year-old Naik Krishan Lal, a resident of Ghagriya village in Akhnoor. Pakistan also violated ceasefire in Tangdhar and Keran sector. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory action by the Indian Army, said officials. Army Sources: Two Pakistani soldiers killed in retaliatory action by Indian Army in Tangdhar-Keran sector. #JammuAndKashmir https://t.co/52bz89jMGW — ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2019 × On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby later succumbed to the injuries. Meanwhile, two other civilians who were injured in the firing are now stable. (With inputs from agencies)

Army jawan killed as Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Sunderbani sector

Pakistan troops on Wednesday night violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch's Digwar sector, an official said today.

"The Indian Army has given a befitting reply. No death or injury has been reported," he added.

On Monday, Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire along the LoC in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. A civilian was injured in the cross-firing.

Meanwhile, two Army personnel were injured in Pakistani firing in the district's Romali Dhara area of Nowshera sector last week.

On July 1, Pakistan violated the ceasefire 1,248 times along the Line of Control (LoC) in the last six months, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

Giving details of the CFVs, the minister said - 203 ceasefire violations took place in January, 215 in February, 267 in March, 234 in April, 221 in May and 108 in June.&nbsp; 
 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan troops on Wednesday night violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch's Digwar sector, an official said today. "The Indian Army has given a befitting reply.

Pakistan troops on Wednesday night violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch's Digwar sector, an official said today. "The Indian Army has given a befitting reply. No death or injury has been reported," he added. On Monday, Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire along the LoC in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. A civilian was injured in the cross-firing. Meanwhile, two Army personnel were injured in Pakistani firing in the district's Romali Dhara area of Nowshera sector last week. On July 1, Pakistan violated the ceasefire 1,248 times along the Line of Control (LoC) in the last six months, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. Giving details of the CFVs, the minister said - 203 ceasefire violations took place in January, 215 in February, 267 in March, 234 in April, 221 in May and 108 in June. (With inputs from ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch

Indian Army retaliates to ceasefire violations by Pakistan

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today said an &quot;aggressive strategy&quot; has to be maintained in dealing with ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and indicated that the force has been responding effectively to such incidents.

He said this responding to a question on the Army&#39;s strategy to deal with repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

&quot;They are doing it (violating ceasefire), but we are responding to it, but an aggressive strategy has to be maintained (&#39;Wo kar rahe hain, hum bhi kar rahe hain, lekin aggressive strategy to rakhni padegi na),&quot; he told reporters, on the sidelines on an event at the South Block.

According to official figure, a total of 820 incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 in the year before.

On the issue of insurgency in several parts of the country, the Army Chief said it is on a decline in the Northeast while in Kashmir it is &quot;cyclical&quot; in nature.

&quot;The moment peace tends to return to the Valley, there is an interference from across the border,&quot; he said.

Earlier, General Rawat interacted with 27 youths from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, who are here as part of a national integration tour.

When one of the youths asked why the Indian Army does not &quot;finish&quot; the Pakistani side, he replied, &quot;If we finish (militarily) Pakistan, it will become like Afghanistan, riddled with all sorts of problems which Afghanistan is today facing.&quot;

Since beginning of the year, the Army pursued an aggressive anti-terror policy in Jammu and Kashmir, at the same time, forcefully responding to all ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control with a tit-for- tat approach.

Rawat also said neighbouring nations have to &quot;learn to live with each other&quot;.

&quot;We want to live in peace. Two neighbours living in a colony, if they have any issue, one of them can choose to move house. But, as nations we can&#39;t do that,&quot; he said.

According to official figure, a total of 820 incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 in the year before

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today said an "aggressive strategy" has to be maintained in dealing with ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and indicated that the force has been responding effectively to such incidents. He said this responding to a question on the Army's strategy to deal with repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. "They are doing it (violating ceasefire), but we are responding to it, but an aggressive strategy has to be maintained ('Wo kar rahe hain, hum bhi kar rahe hain, lekin aggressive strategy to rakhni padegi na)," he told reporters, on the sidelines on an event at the South Block. According to official figure, a total of 820 incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 in the year before. On the issue of insurgency in several parts of the country, the Army Chief said it is on a decline in the Northeast while in Kashmir it is "cyclical" in nature. "The moment peace tends to return to the Valley, there is an interference from across the border," he said. Earlier, General Rawat interacted with 27 youths from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, who are here as part of a national integration tour. When one of the youths asked why the Indian Army does not "finish" the Pakistani side, he replied, "If we finish (militarily) Pakistan, it will become like Afghanistan, riddled with all sorts of problems which Afghanistan is today facing." Since beginning of the year, the Army pursued an aggressive anti-terror policy in Jammu and Kashmir, at the same time, forcefully responding to all ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control with a tit-for- tat approach. Rawat also said neighbouring nations have to "learn to live with each other". "We want to live in peace. Two neighbours living in a colony, if they have any issue, one of them can choose to move house. But, as nations we can't do that," he said.

Aggressive strategy to be maintained with Pak on ceasefire violations: Army chief Rawat