Tourists rush to Suchetgarh as peace returns to J&K

Published on : Wednesday, March 17, 2021

The people from Jammu and Kashmir and outside are quite rampant in visiting Suchetgarh on the International Border in R S Pura. This place is approximately 35 kms from Jammu city.

They visitors are greeted by tall, well-built armed Border Security Force (BSF) personnel with a broad smile when they reach this place. The BSF officials have informed the Greater Kashmir that every Sunday, 1500-2000 people normally visit the border.

“On every Sunday, a large number of visitors come and we also ensure a congenial atmosphere for them,” said a BSF official, who wished not to be quoted.

“As the border is well guarded, the BSF personnel welcome the visitors with a smile at the entry point. After their entry into the premises, the visitors have to undergo a proper checking. The J&K Tourism department has established a counter,” said a BSF official. After the unfurling of a 131-feet high tricolor, he has asserted that the visitor number has increased.

“The BSF has also displayed remains of mortar shells fired by Pakistan on civilian villages and on the paramilitary personnel deployed there. Besides, several photographs of soldiers of Chamliyal and other BSF personnel who got martyred in cross border firing have also been displayed,” said the BSF officials.

The BSF, along with the Tourism department, has preserved several rooms as well which were the part of Jammu-Sialkot railway station at one point of time. In these rooms, the photographs of BSF officers highlighting their courageous feat while defending the borders of the country have been displayed.

Mohammed Nazir, a resident of Srinagar, informed Greater Kashmir that he along with his family had visited that place as they were keen to see the International Border.

“The borders here are peaceful and they have become an attraction for all. It was a memorable time we spent together. We went back in history with this visit. The BSF welcomed us with great respect,” said Nazir.

To quote Nazir, “We pray that the borders always remain peaceful as the hostility is not in the favour of any of the two nations.” Meanwhile, a BSF official said that many Kashmiri families visit especially during holidays. People from other parts of the country also visit the Suchetgarh border.

“While showing a park developed for the visitors on the border, the officer said, “We have placed some benches also for the facility of visitors.”

“We have developed this park and the Tourism department is also coordinating. We work in coordination,” he added.