WELCOME TO KASHMIR
LOCATION: KASHMIR, officially known as Jammu Kashmir State, is situated on the extreme north of indo –Pakistan subcontinent and is surrounded by India Pakistan, Peoples Republic of China and Afghanistan. Kashmir State has a total area of (222,336 Sq.Km) 84, 806 square miles i-e more than the the individual areas of 93 independent countries like Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Austria and Albania put together. This area is at present divided into four parts, Indian held part (about 52 thousand square miles including about 12000 sq. miles area of Aksai Chin under China’s Control) Azad Kashmir, indirectly controlled by Pakistan (about 4 thousand square miles) and Gilgit Baltistan directly ruled by Pakistan over 28 thousand Sq. miles. Total population of the State is over 16 million of whom over 10 million are in Indian-held part, about 3 million in Azad Kashmir, about 1.5 million in Gilgit Baltistan and the rest in Pakistan and abroad (mostly in UK). Main languages in Azad Kashmir are Urdu, Pahari, Hindko, Shina, Balti and Broshali. The sparsely inhabited northern and western region of Ladakh and beyond is home to Buddhist Mongoloid peoples speaking Balti and Ladakhi.
AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR:
On the termination of British rule over the Sub-continent two impendent States, Pakistan and India emerged in August 1947. In view of geographical, religious and historical links the people of Jammu & Kashmir State demanded freedom from the rule of Maharaja Hari Sing and the accession of the State to Pakistan. The Maharaja, ignoring the wishes of the Muslim majority, instead, entered into an unfortunate conspiracy with the Hindu leadership and acceded to India. This sparked the liberation movement of the muslim population of the State against the Dogra and Indian forces in Kashmir. As a result of this, a part of the State was liberated from the Dogra-cum-Indian domination in October 1947, and named Azad State of Jammu & Kashmir. Total area of AJ&K is 5134 Sq. miles of 13297 sq. kms.
MUZAFFARABAD:
Muzaffarabad, the capital of the AJ&K (spread over an areas of 6177 Sq.Kms.) is situated at the confluence of the Jhelum & Neelum rivers. It is at a distance of 138 Km. from Rawalpindi Islamabad. Muzaffarabad has been named after Sultan Muzaffar Khan, a chief of Bomba Dynasty in 1652). Cradled by lofty mountains, Muzaffarabad is a blend of varied cultures and languages. Being the capital of the state it has all the necessary facilities of life. In addition, there are two historical forts, the Red & Black For, situated on the opposite sides of river Neelum. The Neelum river streams, proudly through the hub of town, joins river Jhelum at Domel and plays a dominant role in the micro climate of Muzaffarabad.
TOURIST DESTINATION:
AJ&K is very rich in natural beauty. Its now-covered peaks, dense forests, winding rivers, turbulent foaming streams, wheat-scented valleys, velvet green plateaus and climate varying from arctic to tropical, all join together to make it an excellent tourist attraction.
RED FORT:
The Red Fort is a witness to the ancient history of this area. Muzaffarabad Fort, generally known as Red Fort, traces back a chequered history. It is said that construction of the Fort was initially taken up by the Chuk Rulers to counter the offensives of the intruders. However, Sultan Muzaffarabad Khan, the founder of Muzaffarabad town, finally completed it in 1646. During the Mughal rule in Kashmir this Fort lost its importance, as they were more interested in other parts of their empire. But when Durrani’s took over the rule of this area, it again came into limelight and its importance was recovered. However, towards the end of 1947, the Dogra’s fled away leaving the fort wide open to anybody. Since then it has braved devastating floods, ravages of time, and other hazards to project it inherent glory and historical background.
Tourist from all parts of the State & Pakistan can visit Azad Jammu & Kashmir without any restriction. However, they advised to keep their identity with them. Forein tourists can visit Azad Kashmir except the areas situated within 16 Kms. Along the Line of Control (LoC). Before planning their visit foreigners should contact AJ&K Government , Muzaffarabad.
