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The Himalayas mountain range in Nepal - Source: Photos.com
Mountaineers, rejoice: India will, for the first time, allow
foreign climbers to scale more than 100 high-altitude peaks this
summer in the Himalayan state of Kashmir.
Officials said the move was an effort to boost the scenic region's
ailing tourism industry, hit by two decades of separatist
rebellion.
Officials say 60% of Kashmiris are dependent on tourism.
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.
But the number of visitors began falling after a revolt broke out
in 1989 that has killed more than 47,000 people so far.
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 3,000 metres to 7,800 metres, 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 infamously 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."
