New Delhi: Jammu & Kashmir, considered as the heaven on earth, lost its appeal & charm among the tourists on back of spate of terror attacks which started in 1990s and continued till recent times. A number of Army-terrorist gunbattle and encounters are still reported from many parts of the state-turned Union Territory (UT), though the frequency has decreased significantly, especially after the abrogation of Article 370.
Kupwara, once considered as one of the hotbeds of terror has also metamorphosed into a peaceful region. The place which once saw repeated bloody encounters is now witnessing sporting & recreation activity and interestingly, people are taking keen interest in the games.
A recent video of sporting activity was shared on Twitter, showing how the city residents gathered in large numbers.
कश्मीर के कुपवाड़ा की ये तस्वीरें हैं.
जहां से कुछ साल पहले तक सिर्फ़ आतंकियों के साथ मुठभेड़ की खबरें सुर्ख़ियाँ बनती थीं.
वहाँ खेल प्रेमियों का उमंग है.
बदलते कश्मीर की तासीर है. pic.twitter.com/JF5KpSx1XE— Chitra Tripathi (@chitraaum) August 7, 2023
Kupwara boasts of many picturesque locations and such pictures of celebrations were rare in back days. But, this celebration of peace & sporting activity shows govt’s renewed focus on boosting sporting culture & tourism in the valley.
After the revocation of Article 370, the J&K administration under LG Manoj Sinha has taken decisive steps to bring development in the terror-hit region. From cinema halls to state-of-the art sports stadiums, the Union Territory is marching forward to restore its lost glory.
Recently, LG Manoj Sinha inaugurated a multi-purpose indoor stadium to give impetus to sports and instill sporting culture among valley residents.
For the unversed, a swanky commercial complex named ‘Mall of Srinagar’ is taking shape in the valley. It is being built by the makers of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building of the world.
The G-20 Summit, recently held in Kashmir amidst tight security though drew global attention towards the valley. Successful G-20 Summit in the valley brought global spotlight on the valley.
Today I proudly wanna to say that my #Kashmir has changed a lot not only for the boys but also for Us. It was not possible before abrogation of 370 & 35A. Thank you GOI. pic.twitter.com/5zU9vgUAoL
— Nusrat Fatima (@knusrata) August 4, 2023
Female residents of the UT are also taking rapid strides and are brimming with joy on being part of new ‘success story’. Recently, a video of Baramullah girl went viral on social media, in which she could be seen riding a bullet on the road and also flaunting it without any inhibitions. This also elicited many reactions of people, who said that one couldn’t have anticipated this in ‘pre-370 era.’
