From Bangus to Pir Panjal — India locks Kashmir with new camps, military highways
Srinagar: The Indian military establishment has further strengthened its presence and consolidated its control over Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as part of its expansionist designs.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles has shifted its Sector 7 division from Sangri Watlab in Sopore to Unisoo in Handwara, Kupwara district.
The Indian Army’s Kilo Force has relocated its Sector 7 division to strengthen its control over the Bangus Valley and adjacent areas on the Line of Control extending towards the Leepa Valley.
The Indian Army’s Sector 8 is already deployed in the Lolab Valley of Kupwara district. High-tech military camps are also being constructed in the Wadur Payeen and Bangus Valley areas of Kupwara district, along similar lines to those established in the Pir Panjal region, including Yousmarg and Doodhpathri in Budgam district, extending towards the Line of Control (LoC).
Geographically, Yousmarg and Doodhpathri lie on the northern slopes of the Pir Panjal Range in Budgam district, while Poonch district lies on the southern slopes of the same mountain range. Historical trekking routes and mountain passes, including Noorpur Gali, connect areas around Loran in Poonch with the mountain landscapes of Yousmarg and Doodhpathri.
Highway project and strategic connectivity
The proposed Highway 701A project is expected to further enhance connectivity between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley. The proposed alignment is intended to connect Surankote in Poonch district with the Kashmir Valley, passing through the mountainous areas around Yousmarg and Doodhpathri before extending towards Magam and Gulmarg.
While Rajouri is a neighbouring district of Poonch, the proposed transport links and existing mountain routes highlight the geographical connectivity between different parts of the Pir Panjal region and the Kashmir Valley.
