Foreign visitors ‘returning to Kashmir’

Tourists are once again visiting the Kashmir region of India in substantial numbers, after years of violence in the disputed territory. According to The Times of India, some 70,000 tourists visited the Kashmir hill station at Gulmarg – home to the world’s highest golf course and a range of ski slopes – during the last two months. Perhaps more significantly, 1,500 foreigners visited the area during that time – a record, according to the region’s tourism department. Furthermore, for the first time in six years, Gulmarg has hosted the Indian National Winter Games. The president of the Indian Olympic Association, Suresh Kalmadi, reportedly told the newspaper that the ongoing ceasefire in Kashmir could pave the way for more sporting events in Gulmarg. He said: “We are looking forward to making Gulmarg the international destination for winter games.” He said the Winter Games Federation of India could even hold the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Winter Games in Kashmir. However, as a note of caution, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, at www.fco.gov.uk/travel, warns: “Notwithstanding recent encouraging developments between India and Pakistan, we strongly advise against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of Ladakh via Manali or by air to Leh.”