One of the biggest battlefields of Kargil war, Batalik, is all set to welcome tourists. Thanks to the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government, the once no-go area is now being opened for visitors.
To start with, the government has kicked off a three-day tourist festival to showcase the area.
Known for its inhospitable terrain and high peaks, Batalik was one of the biggest war zones in 1999. The Indian army fought some of the fiercest battles to evict Pakistani intruders on the steep heights of Batalik, located along the Line of Control. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey of 1/11 Gorkha Rifles posthumously won the Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award, for recapturing the strategic Jubar Top.
“Opening Batalik for tourists will help promote tourism in Kargil district. It will provide ample opportunities to domestic and foreign tourists to experience the age-old heritage of the district,” Kachoo Ahmad Ali Khan, chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, said.
The picturesque Batalik valley, about 56 km from Kargil town, is famous for its four villages — Dha, Hanu, Garkon and Darchak. People from the Drokpa tribe live in these villages.
Drokpas are believed to be descendants of pure Aryans. They have fiercely guarded their racial identity for centuries.
“Batalik is part of the ancient Indus civilisation. It is a virgin site. There is an historic road which runs parallel to the Indus river. There will be ample opportunities for trekking. Above all, it is home to Drokpas,” Sheikh Riyaz Ahmad, district collector of Kargil, said.
To prevent ecological damage, the government has banned construction activity in the area.
“We do not want to make this area a concrete mess. If tourists want to stay, they will be provided eco-friendly tents,” Nasir Aslam Wani, J&K minister of state for tourism, said.
