Srinagar, July 14 (KMS): In occupied Kashmir, many international travel groups have cancelled trekking programs in the valley following the arrest of trekkers in upper reaches of Rafiabad in Baramulla.

The secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Ski and Mountaineering Association, Rauf Tramboo said that the detention of foreigner trekkers is a big setback to adventure tourism in occupied Kashmir. “Indian army is unnecessarily creating hurdles in the promotion of adventure sports. But this is not for the first time when the army has stopped the trekkers going into the higher reaches.  Even in other areas of the valley they restrict the movement of trekkers,” he added.

The vice-president of Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Muhammad Ashraf said that no permission was required for trekking in inner line areas in any country, adding, “In Pakistan, the authorities allow trekking and mountaineering even in Siachen. I fail to understand the logic behind stopping the tourists from trekking in open areas of the held valley.”