Kashmir’s Kaman Bridge Opens After Six Years

The bridge has been reopened to facilitate the return of the bodies of a drowned couple.

Introduction to Kashmir’s Kaman Bridge

Kashmir’s Kaman Bridge, a significant crossing point between India and Pakistan, has been reopened after six years. The bridge, located in the Uri sector of Baramulla, was closed following a suicide attack in Pulwama in February 2019. Recently, it was opened to facilitate the return of the bodies of a young couple who drowned in the Jhelum River. This event marks a rare instance of cooperation between Indian and Pakistani authorities, highlighting the complexities of cross-border relations in the region.

The couple, a 22-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, were believed to have jumped into the river two weeks prior to the bridge’s reopening. Their bodies were retrieved from the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC), with the Indian Army coordinating with their Pakistani counterparts to ensure their return. The bodies were handed over to Indian authorities at the Kaman Post, a location that has historically been significant for cross-border travel and trade.

Historical Significance of Kaman Bridge

Kaman Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Peace, was initially opened in 2005 to facilitate cross-border travel and trade between India and Pakistan. It was part of the Karwan-e-Aman bus service, which connected Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir. However, the bridge was closed in 2018 due to heightened tensions and security concerns following the Pulwama attack.

The closure of the bridge and the suspension of the bus service had a significant impact on local economies, particularly in the Uri sector. The area witnessed a decline in business activities, affecting the livelihoods of many residents. However, recent efforts to reopen the Kaman Post as a tourist destination aim to revitalize the local economy and create new opportunities for employment.

Future Prospects and Challenges

The reopening of the Kaman Post for tourism is seen as a positive step towards promoting peace and economic development in the region. Local residents are optimistic that this initiative will not only boost tourism but also foster a sense of patriotism among young students through educational visits. However, challenges remain, including the lack of infrastructure such as hotels and eateries, which could hinder the tourist experience.

Despite these challenges, the move to promote tourism in the area is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The initiative has already created employment opportunities for locals, with some residents working as guides and in local facilities. The administration is considering further development of tourist infrastructure to support this initiative.

As Kashmir’s Kaman Bridge reopens, albeit briefly, it raises questions about the future of cross-border relations and the potential for increased cooperation between India and Pakistan. The bridge’s reopening for the return of the couple’s bodies highlights the human aspect of these relations, where even in times of tension, there can be moments of cooperation and mutual respect.