KL Report
SRINAGAR
The tourist department Kashmir has said that locals are free to visit Pahalagam and Sonmarg. The department issued a statement on Sunday, after a government a press release some days ago banning the locals to visit the two attractions till Amarnath Yatra was in place.
The tourist department said, “for the interest of general public and tourists, the Department is informing that all the locals and tourists are free to visit Pahalgam and Sonmarg and no passes or permissions are required for any of the two places.”
“Some tour operators, tourists as well as locals had complained to this office that they are not being allowed to cross check points meant for amaranth Yatris enroute Sonmarg and Pahalgam. It was conveyed to them that there are no restrictions to visit to Sonmarg and Pahalgam. The restrictions are in place for unregistered Amaranth Yatris only,” the statement added.
According to a press statement from tourist department Kashmir, in case of any difficulty at check points the desired tourists/ locals could contact the tourism department officials on helpline number 18001031060 or TRC phone number 0194-2452691 for assistance.
The statement further said that instructions have already being conveyed by higher authorities to concerned Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to allow hassle free travel to Sonmarg and Pahalgam.
