Despite LoC tension, Neelum Valley still open for tourists

Officials urge visitors to stay away from streams, river for fear of falling in

MUZAFFARABAD: Tourist activities in the precarious Neelum Valley are continuing despite ceasefire violations by India.

On July 16, Indian firing across the Line of Control (LoC) had martyred four soldiers. The targeted attack came at the end of a spell of cross-border firing.

As a result, the tourism industry in the Neelum Valley was put at stake.



However, the district administration in the valley on Tuesday said that the 200 kilometer-long scenic valley was open for tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

“We want to promote tourism in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and this is why all available resources of the tourism department and district administration are being utilised to welcome visitors and their families,” said Tourism Secretary Mansoor Qadir Dar.



Dar, however, requested tourists to stay away from streams and the Neelum River while picnicking in the area since the rocks were slippery and the currents strong, making photographic attempts, especially selfies, dangerous.

“We have also told tour operators and private guest house owners in the Neelum Valley to only charge the minimum fares from visitors and ensure proper cleanliness of the kitchens and covered areas of the hotels,” the tourism secretary added.



He added that the government was expecting around a million tourists to visit the valley before the season ends in October, noting that those who could not manage to visit the Neelum Valley in the summer, they can visit Mirpur and Kotli during the winter.

Sharing details of future plans of the AJK Tourism Department, Dar said that they were encouraging public-private partnerships for investment in the tourism sector and that the AJK government would provide all available resources and facilities to investors.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2017.