JK awaits Centre’s nod to extend permit for foreigners

The Jammu and Kashmir government today said a reminder has been sent to the Centre on its proposal to permit foreign tourists to visit some hitherto restricted areas in Nubra valley bordering Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK) and China in the Ladakh region.
The state government has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to extend the inner line permit for foreign tourists further from Panamik to Warshi, including Yarma-Gompa and Yarma-Gonbo monasteries in Nubra valley, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a written reply in the state Assembly.

Replying to Congress MLA Deldan Namgyal’s question about steps taken to extend the inner line permit for foreign tourists up to Yarma Gonboo monastery, Warshi village of Yarma valley and Thang Tyakshi village of Turtuk valley of Nobra sub-division, she said the first request was made to the Centre on February 12, 2015 and a reminder was sent on May 24 this year for its early consideration. “A response from the Ministry of Home Affairs is awaited,” said Mehbooba, who also holds the portfolio of state Home Ministry.
She said the state government, on February 28, 2014, had submitted a proposal to the Centre to permit tourists to travel till Yarma-Gonboo, Tyakshi-Pachathang and Thang areas in Nubra valley to encourage tourism in the Ladakh region. However, the Union Home Ministry has accorded permission only for Indian tourists, she added.