Baramulla to the LOC.
It was a rare trip in 1983..made possible thanks to Dollypishi and Uncle.
After the necessary permits were taken, we had to start early. During those times..there were far greater restrictions..and certain areas were "classified"..photos could not be taken.
Of course, I abided by it.
We followed the left bank of the Jhelum..the whirling, the roaring and the turbulence increased with each mile. The military "jonga" expertly travelled along until we came to Rampurhut..where there was a hanging bridge..
The 1st pic , taken from the hanging bridge, shows the turbulence. I could feel the spray.
The second pic shows the mountains reaching up..we could see some snow peaks. The Colonel reminded us.."LOC matlab snow peaks ka summit"..
After Uri, photography was forbidden..and of course, I didn't take any. Then there came a stretch , after Kaman Post..when the other side of the roaring Jhelum was POK.
The army people at the LOC greeted us and we had one of the best times of our lives. According to U.N. regulations, there were limitations to troop size. Our side contained a handful of jawans. The spirit was really upbeat. We had tea , and the Colonel showed us around.
Went down to the bunkers. The LMG pointed across the Jhelum. What was astounding was the spirit..even underground. Above the bunker, we strolled down the dense foliage to the closed road (then)..and a sign read - Muzaffarabad * kms.
We peered thru' the army telescope..and a Pakistani soldier waved a packet of cigarettes at us. The jawans joked they sometimes shouted pleasantries at each other.
The third photo I took on the way back, a few kms from Uri..it shows the white foam of the roaring Jhelum. The Colonel and the jawan (one of the best drivers I've ever encountered), together with Bunty, my parents and Dollypishi.
1 comment:
i like this part but is it original story.....
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