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Festival in war zone to woo tourists

The festival involves a trip to the now peaceful international border

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The Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led government is showcasing the epicentre of Pakistani shelling in Hiranagar sector as a major tourist destination
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From a war zone to the sojourn of peace, the area around the international border has come a long way to charm tourists in Jammu.

Who is organising event?

The Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led government is showcasing the area around the epicentre of Pakistani shelling in Hiranagar sector as a major tourist destination. 

For the first time a two-day border festival is being organised to woo tourists to the erstwhile war zone which saw some of the bloodiest incidents of shelling by Pakistan in September last year and January. One civilian lost his life.

What is the aim?

Around 21,000 people living along the border were shifted to temporary shelter camps in Kathua district of Jammu division after tensions broke out on December 31 last year.
But, violence here is now passé and the administration is busy trying to ward off fears and create a feel good factor in the war zone. Music, local cuisine, cultural heritage, art and history coupled with a trip to forward areas has been planned as part of the festival.

"Around 10,000 people including tourists are expected to converge at the spot for the festival for two days. Due to Pakistani shellings the residents suffer from fear psychosis. We are trying to ward that off through the festival", Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, district development commissioner, Kathua, told dna.

What is the highlight?

More than 100 stalls by departments, organisations, projects, industries and tourism associations would be set up. The highlight of the festival would be a one-day international border trip.

"The festival is aimed at boosting the tourism sector in the border area and linking youth with a public driven tourism industry. Over 15 Border Tourism Huts are being taken up with public partnership in the current year for attracting tourists. This time we expect tourists to the Vaishno Devi shrine to converge at the festival", said Dr Choudhary.

Is entry free?

There will be no entry fee as the administration has extended an open invitation to interested associations and groups to display various tourist destinations and packages.

"Border Security Force, Army and Police Training Centre in Kathua have extended assistance to district administration in logistic arrangements and organising special events", said Dr Choudhary.

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