In the light of accelerated militant activities in some border regions of Kashmir, the sub-district of Gurez, falling within the jurisdiction of Bandipora district, has attained considerable strategic importance. In all probability civilian and military authorities know it and also acknowledge it, though not in a conspicuous manner. Jihadi infiltrators from Pakistan have been using the Neelam/Kishan Ganga track for sneaking into our territory to conduct sabotaging activates. All this has added to the importance of upgrading security in this sector. Last year we had a couple of incidents in which jihadis were reported to have travelled a long distance and come close to a spot from where they would make a bid to infiltrate into our side of the State and then launch attacks on Gurez.
The Razdan Pass situated at a height of about 11500 feet in the Himalayas above sea level separates Gurez valley from Kashmir. Snow over the Razdan Pass accumulates to at least 30 feet in winter rendering the passage to Gurez impossible. For six months Gurez remains cut off from the valley and the world.
There is justification in the protest rally which nearly 600 persons of Gurez area staged before the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate precisely the same day when Prime Minister was busy inaugurating the Chenani-Nashri tunnel. By strange quirk of destiny while the leaders in Kashmir valley exhorted the people to observe strike against the opening of the tunnel in Chenani, the people in Gurez were protesting why their road connectivity was not provided with a tunnel enabling link with the valley for round the year. We feel the protest of the people of Gurez was very right and that their demand should be met without delay. The State Government with the help of Centre has proposed building nine tunnels in the State in near future and we hope that the Razdan tunnel will also be included in the list and the difficulties of the people in Gurez valley alleviated.
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