Aadil Abdullah
Bandipora, May 14: As guns fall silent along the Line of Control (LoC), a long-overdue calm is returning to the remote border region of Gurez Valley in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
The recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan has brought a renewed sense of hope to this historically volatile area, where locals have often borne the brunt of cross-border hostilities.
For weeks, markets in Gurez remained shuttered, and the hum of daily life was replaced by the anxiety of possible escalation. But with shelling halted and tension easing, shops have reopened, bringing relief to traders, shopkeepers, and daily wage earners who depend on seasonal activity for survival.
“We hope the authorities will allow tourists to visit Gurez Valley. It will boost our economy and help us live without the fear of conflict,” said Nazir Ahmad Lone, a local shopkeeper, voicing a growing demand from the valley’s residents.
Another trader, Mohammad Sultan Lone, echoed the sentiment: “We live in a border area and suffer the most due to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Our livelihood depends on tourism, which has been badly hit after the Pahalgam attack on tourists. I appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to allow tourists to visit Gurez Valley. Unemployment here is at its peak.”
He added, “Only four months are crucial for the tourist season in Gurez. Unlike other destinations, we have a unique environment and hospitality. We’ve always said—we want peace, not war. Dialogue is the only way forward if we are to live normal lives in border areas.”
Beyond economic concerns, education remains a major worry for families in Gurez. Schools have been intermittently shut due to security concerns, worsened by the valley’s harsh winters, which isolate the region for several months each year. Adding to the crisis is a severe shortage of teachers.
“Our students suffer the most whenever tensions rise between the two countries. It’s a cycle of misfortune,” said a local parent. “We dream of our children becoming doctors, engineers, IAS and KAS officers. I appeal to the authorities to post qualified and dedicated teachers here so our children can receive the education they deserve.”
Even as optimism returns, a temporary setback was evident when the Chief Education Officer of Bandipora ordered the suspension of classwork in all schools across Gurez zone for May 14. However, teaching and non-teaching staff have been instructed to report to duty to ensure administrative preparedness.
Despite challenges, the people of Gurez remain hopeful. With its breathtaking meadows, glacial rivers, and rich traditions, they believe the valley can emerge as a premier tourism destination—provided peace holds and policy makers prioritize its development.
