DNA Edit: Paradise calling

Before militancy struck Kashmir in 1989, the ‘paradise on earth’ was a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from home and abroad, which, in turn, offered employment opportunities to thousands of Kashmiris.

Several Hindi films had been shot in its exotic locales, which, for their breath-taking beauty, invariably drew comparisons with Switzerland. Now, the state government is planning to revive the tourism industry in a bid to counter the employment drought and restore a sense of normalcy in the Valley.

It has asked the police and the Army to reduce the tell-tale signs of security measures that give the impression of a war zone. Following three decades of insurgency, Srinagar now resembles a fortress with barbed wires and bunkers and the constant patrolling of heavily armed security forces.

However, while making cosmetic changes like beautifying bunkers and removing unnecessary concertina wires from the roads, the security establishment cannot afford to lose sight of the fact that any laxity in vigilance can have deadly consequences.

The peace-loving people of Kashmir have paid the heaviest price for falling into the traps laid by Pakistan’s Army and the ISI. If reviving tourism can once again bring them closer to the world and re-establish peace, it should be taken up in earnest. Measures are afoot, with the J&K tourism department introducing innovative ways — one such being showcasing its beautiful orchards and plantations — to lure modern-day travellers.

The once-famous Dal Lake has also been thoroughly cleaned and spruced up. Change is in the air, and now it is for the Kashmiris to open their doors in warm welcome to travellers. One big challenge for the state and Central governments as well as for the local populace is to ensure a safe passage to Amarnath pilgrims. It will be a litmus test for a collective’s resolve to shun a destructive way of life.