Army's Role in Border Tourism and Women empowerment in Kargil

As Kargil transforms from a battleground to a beacon of peace and progress, the Army's role as a stimulus for change reinforces a deep connection between defence and development in India's frontier regions.

- AAFIYA BHAT

Whenever we encounter the word 'Kargil', our primary thoughts often turn to the 1999 war, the Line of Control, the film LOC Kargil, and the bloodshed caused by Pakistan's betrayal. While these memories are carved in our souls and into our national consciousness, there is another side to Kargil, one that is equally significant and far more beautiful, if we choose to take a closer look and with an open mind.

Situated along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, Kargil lies in the heart of Ladakh and holds not only a significance of military strategy and sacrifice but is a symbol of land of peace, adventure and breathtaking landscape. The place has long been symbolized with military conflict and geopolitical sensitivity amid cross border tensions, however, in recent years the Indian Army has taken strategic and proactive steps to reshape this narrative by promoting peace-building initiatives, encouraging and facilitating tourism, and supporting women's empowerment in this strategically important and culturally rich region. Hence the place deserves to be reintroduced to the world not just as a battleground but a place of harmony, resilience and natural beauty.

The harsh terrain, extreme climate, and limited connectivity have long hindered development of Kargil but the Indian Army has taken bold initiatives that are part of a broader civil-military collaboration aiming at national integration, socio-economic development and the stabilization of sensitive border areas. The Indian Army's presence has not only protected frontiers but also filled critical infrastructural and administrative gaps in remote villages. Recognizing its role beyond defence, the Army has increasingly focused on "hearts and minds" operations, one of the groundbreaking strategies adopted by the Indian Army in Kashmir that is Operation Sadbhavana, an approach to win the trust and cooperation of local populations, to reduce alienation and counter radicalization.