Sunday, December 21, 2014

Mission Kashmir 2014 - Day 02

Akhnoor – Sunderbani – Rajouri – Bhimber Gali – Surankote – Baffliaz – Shopian – Pulwama – Srinagar 

When we woke up at Chenab Hut, I am not sure whether we felt fortunate or unfortunate that we didn’t hear any shelling. Upon looking at the map later, we observed that this was a place where we were the closest to the International Border (let alone LOC) – I really believe no place I have slept or will sleep in future will be so close to any Indian Border.

As planned, we got ready by 6:45 AM and buzzed our hosts. Quickly capturing few pictures, we left for the highlight of our trip. 900m ahead, a right turn took us to Sunderbani quicker than the old Poonch Road. The BRO JE kept calling us to check our progress every hour and as expected, during the last hour his calling came more frequent. All along the way, there were regular army patrols ensuring safety. Through these areas or otherwise, one phrase always keeps me busy: “One Man’s Terrorist is Another Man’s Freedom Fighter”. But I always convince myself with that Dialogue from Shootout at Lokhandwala “There is going to be at least One Man standing with the Gun outside your house. What do you want him to be?”
7AM With Flash
7 AM Without Flash
Rajouri

Bhimber Gali

Link Road Starts

Anyway, our route took us to Bhimber Gali avoiding Rajouri Town (though the GPS showed the road ending at Bhimber Gali). We confirmed that we were following the right way by following the chainage of Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch road. We actually don’t remember the name of the village we stopped – all we remember is it was chainage 204. We were treated to delicious bread & other veg besan pakoras with tea. As we left after clicking pictures of the LOC ridge, the Link Road from Bhimber Gali to Surankote took us south towards Rajouri. This Link Road shows up on GPS as a trail like the Mughal Road.
Mughal Road Starts

We were told that in the gone days, Surankote was the hub of militant activity where the teams arrived and were then distributed across the valley by their area commanders. We passed through Buffliaz bridge and were welcomed by the Mughal Road. Soon after making the entry at the first check point, we reached the second check point which was now very close to Pir Ki Gali.
Buffliaz Bridge

Pir Ki Gali

Zaznar - Proposed Tunnel Project

Mughal Road ends into Shopian





After having a gala time at the top, the descent into Shopian & Pulwama led us through to Srinagar and a tough task started – finding a “Decent Hotel” (pun intended). After a lot of storming, we checked into Hotel Welcome – the only one hotel that was fully functional on the Boulevard Road. The Electric Blanket was a pleasant surprise. The news of our arrival in Srinagar back home didn’t worry our Dad as much as the fact that we drove through Pulwama approach.