Hyderabad:As Kashmir and its youth were reaping the benefits of closer integration with the rest of India through faster transport systems, terrorists tried to disrupt the normalisation process and stall the development of the Valley. Data indicates that close to three million tourists visit the Valley every year, and this number was 3.5 million in 2024.Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, an officer in the Intelligence Bureau in Kashmir said, “Many locals are now earning a livelihood from tourism. This is the season, starting in March, when the snow melts and the valley turns lush green.”As busy youths could adversely affect their cause, experts said, terrorists could have launched the terror attack to keep away tourists, to stop people from visiting Kashmir and to stop further emotional integration of Kashmiris with the people of other regions.“There are also many tourists who travel by road in private vehicles from Delhi and other parts of India. These tourists must also be given additional security while returning by road, as the routes involve hilly terrain with steep twists — areas that could be vulnerable to ambush by terror groups,” he explained.In recent years, the enhanced connectivity through rail across India has played a major role in boosting tourism. The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link project has effectively connected the Kashmir Valley. The government, keen on developing the region, constructed a railway section featuring 934 rail bridges and 38 tunnels. Notably, it includes the Chenab Bridge — currently the world’s highest railway arch bridge.The Chenab Bridge spans 725 metres and stands 359 metres above sea level — 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower and five times the height of the Qutub Minar. This engineering marvel is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km per hour and has an estimated lifespan of 100 years.As tourism continues to grow, youth in the region are finding increased employment opportunities. Thousands of young people have purchased vehicles and are working as drivers. Hotels and resorts have sprung up on a large scale.Locals explained, “There was a drop in income during the COVID-19 pandemic, but since then, a large number of tourists have been coming here. Household income has risen, and youth have begun focusing on earning and building a bright future.”“The Kashmir Valley is currently under tight security. Tourists staying in hotels and resorts are being provided with additional protection. The government is also planning for potential evacuations. These measures are in response to efforts by terror outfits to sabotage tourism in the region,” the IB official said.
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