Srinagar, September 2: Lal Chowk in Srinagar, once a focal point for anti-national protests, is undergoing a transformation into a hub for tourism and cultural activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the CRPF band rehearsed for an event scheduled for Tuesday, both tourists and locals gathered in large numbers around this popular landmark, which is rapidly evolving into an open-air theater in Srinagar.
“This is a memorable moment for us and for India that we are witnessing this event here at Lal Chowk, with the tricolor flying high. We are celebrating Gandhi Jayanti,” remarked Dolly, a tourist from Delhi, while watching the rehearsal of women motorcyclists who will embark on an expedition to Kevadia in Gujarat tomorrow.
A group of CRPF women also demonstrated self-defense techniques in hand-to-hand combat at the newly-refurbished public area around the iconic clock tower, locally known as ‘Ghanta Ghar.’
Dolly expressed her approval of this initiative and called for further efforts to empower women. “They are being well-trained in Karate, which builds confidence in us. We talk about gender equality, and it’s evident here in J-K,” she added. Mukesh Jain, another tourist from Delhi, was pleasantly surprised by the program at Lal Chowk. He said, “This is the first time I am here at Lal Chowk and witnessing this… I never thought I could see this here.”
Ayushi Jain, on her first visit to Kashmir, described it as a great experience. She noted, “The good thing here is to see that the army has given chances to girls… they are performing very well and are a great example of women’s empowerment.”
Srinagar CRPF Inspector General Ajay Yadav emphasized that Kashmir is undergoing a transformation. He said, “This is the new Kashmir, the changing Kashmir, the peaceful Kashmir. Undoubtedly, this marks a new beginning heralding a new era.”
Yadav mentioned that 150 women warriors, as part of a motorcycle expedition, would be flagged off from Srinagar, Kanyakumari, and Shillong simultaneously on Tuesday. “You have seen the rehearsals, and tomorrow the women’s bike expedition will start from Srinagar and culminate at Kevadia, Ektanagar (Gujarat) on October 31,” he said.
Yadav added that while 50 women would commence their journey from Srinagar, an equal number would start from Shillong and Kanyakumari, covering more than 10,000 km to reach Kevadia on October 31.
