Waseem Ajaz :
Gurez, September 13: Indian Army last week organised Jashn-e-Azadi "Prakriti se Parichay" trek for the people of Gurez and trekkers from all over India to commemorate the 75 years of India's Independence.
In a statement issued to the dark press officials said the week-long trek in the picturesque valleys of Gurez and Tulail aimed at strengthening the nationalistic fervour of the locals and to promote the undiscovered treks in Gurez so as to attract more tourists to the scenic Gurez Valley. “The trek witnessed participants from different parts of India trekking alongside the local youth of Gurez”.
Officials said 21 trekkers comprised 8 trekkers from outside the UT of J&K including 03 Females and 13 trekkers from different parts of Gurez and J&K. “The trek was flagged off from Tulail on 06 Sep 21 and during the course of the seven day trek, the trekkers explored the breathtaking and mesmerising lakes of Jaudar, Gadsar & Satsar”.
"The local youth were amalgamated with an aim to train them as Trek Guides and unlock tremendous employment opportunities for them through the budding Tourism industry in Gurez being catalysed by the Army for the benefit of the locals and to bring development in the region," reads the statement.
“The trek culminated on 12 Sep 2021 at Jurnial, Niru. During the campfire organised in the evening, all trekkers were elated & proud of their achievements''. All participants unanimously echoed the sentiment of the lifelong bonding and comradarie with each other.