INDIA HAS OPENED MORE THAN 100 HIGH-ALTITUDE PEAKS IN THE
HIMALAYAN STATE OF KASHMIR TO FOREIGN CLIMBERS FOR THE FIRST
TIME IN A BID TO BOOST THE AILING TOURISM INDUSTRY
Kashmir was once dubbed the Switzerland of the east. It was once
a mecca for climbers, skiers, honeymooners and film-makers drawn
to the state's soaring peaks, fruit orchards and timber
houseboats bobbing on Dal Lake in Srinagar, the summer capital.
As many as 60 per cent of Kashmiris are dependent on income from
tourism.
But the number of visitors began falling after a revolt broke
out in 1989, and the separatist rebellion has killed more than
47,000 people over the past two decades. Pakistan and India have
fought two wars over Muslim majority Kashmir, which is divided
between the South Asian neighbours who both claim it in full.
India accuses Pakistan of backing separatist militants fighting
its forces. Pakistan says it only offers them political backing.
The peaks to be opened for trekking and mountaineering are
situated at an altitude ranging from 9,842 feet to 7,800 meters
25,590 feet, mostly in the Eastern Karakoram mountain range of
Ladakh.
"This summer 104 peaks in Ladakh region will open for trekking
and expeditions which would pave the way for adventure tourism
and attract foreign tourists in a big way," Nawang Rigzin Jora,
Kashmir's tourism minister, told Reuters.
"The defence ministry, which had earlier expressed reservation
on throwing open the peaks, has given its nod."
The mountainous Ladakh region along India's border with Pakistan
and China, which has been largely free of rebel violence, is a
heavily militarised zone.
"The situation is fast improving in the state and tourism is
picking up, we hope a very good (tourist) season ahead," Jora
added.
Officials say violence involving Indian troops and separatist
militants has declined since a peace process began in 2004
between India and Pakistan.
But people are still killed in daily shootouts and occasional
bomb attacks.
Many foreign governments still advise against travel to Kashmir,
where six Western tourists were abducted while trekking in 1995.
Of the six, a Norwegian was beheaded, an American escaped and
the rest are presumed dead.
Tourism operators say opening new peaks will help Kashmir
tourism but they remain sceptical about a lasting peace in the
region.
"Climbers will definitely find plenty to love in this remote and
stunningly beautiful region, and this will help our business in
a big way," Umar Tibatbakal, a tour operator said. "But Kashmir
is unpredictable, violence can break out any time."
