Baramulla, June 17: Once a death trap for being a target of constant shelling on the Line of Control (LoC), the picturesque frontier village of Nambla Uri is becoming a sought-after destination for trekkers and visitors due to the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
The village is home to one of the highest waterfalls in the region, locally known as Khunjri waterfall and is located in Rustum area.
The waterfall emanates from Kaandi glacier located in the upper forest area and receives around 20-feet snow during the winter.
The locals here describe the waterfall as “longest uninterrupted drop of water”, which has not yet been brought on the tourist map owing to its location in the “sensitive” area of Uri.
While visiting the waterfall along with his family on Sunday, one Manzoor Ahmad termed the journey a dream come true.
“It was a soothing experience,” he said. “After years of traumatic events on LoC in Uri, finally the locals here have some breathing space.”
A large number of youngsters in the area are also finding solace in trekking after the recent upholding of ceasefire agreement.
A group of local youth while describing their experience said that though there was no restriction on trekking in the upper reaches, the fear of ceasefire violation is what was making them apprehensive about such an adventure.
“Earlier, the possible roaring of guns on the LoC used to prevent us from such adventure, however, the ceasefire has generated enthusiasm among us. Now the groups of young people can be seen trekking in the upper reaches of the area without any fear,” says Abid Nabi, a resident of Uri town.
There are several places in Uri area of Baramulla district which have potential for tourism, however, the hostility between the two neighbouring countries would keep these areas from achieving their tourism potential.
India and Pakistan in February this year agreed to ceasefire along the LoC and all other sectors.
The decision brought the much-awaited relief to thousands of people living close to LoC who had experienced traumatic events of destruction of life and property since last few decades.