Kashmir limps back to normalcy-III

Col. T.K. Tikoo added: “Last time when I was in the valley, Ganpathyaar locality bore a deserted look. This was mainly because it was exclusively inhabited by Kashmiri Pandits and having left the valley the area looked deserted. But this time there was normal activity. Obviously muslims have grabbed the deserted houses of the Hindus there. Under the circumstances what chance does Ganpathyar have of surviving, located as it is in the sea of hostile neighbours.” This year there has been a record influx of tourists to the valley a million by rough estimates. Local sentiment has ensured that Jehadis do not target the tourists or the tourist infrastructure. Therefore, their attacks have been entirely directed at security forces in and around Srinagar. Those dependent on the tourism industry have the greatest stake in ensuring peace and this segment is getting stronger and bolder, (comparatively). There is a great deal of developmental activity going on in the valley. Pahalgam and Gulmarg are well maintained. Both are well managed and definitely less polluted than before. It is surprising that despite the last 16 years of bloodshed and exremely disturbed conditions, the valley and its people look prosperous. There is affluence all around. New houses, well fed and well clothed ordinary folk, and not a single beggar visible in the entire valley, is in stark contrast to the all pervasive poverty that is still so visible in the rest of India.