Uri’s Rustam area attracts tourists, hopes heavier rush

Uri, May 31: Rustam, a majestic place in Nambla village of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has emerged as the new tourist destination, attracting a significant number of visitors.

The place is renowned for its shrine named Rustam Pir Baba, a prominent mystic Pir. The location boasts beautiful forest cover, meadows, and a view of the other side of the LoC.

Situated around 20 kilometres away from the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road, it sits at the height of 9,000 ft above sea level.

Locals in Uri have urged visitors from across the Valley and outside to explore Rustam as it will bring tourism and employment to the area.

Aftab Ahmad, a local of Balkote, a nearby village shared that they frequently visit Rustam on weekends. “We usually explore forest areas and meadows. One feels peace there. I also bring my family along with me,” he said.

Tariq Ahmad, a resident of Nambla village expressed his excitement on both local and non-local tourists visiting the area. “It is a positive development. Rustam is gaining prominence as a new tourist spot and, hopefully it will find a space on the tourism map. Tourism is coming to Uri now,” he said adding, “We want more tourists to visit Rustam.”

“Giving the proximity to the LoC, allowing tourists to visit the Pir Baba shrine twice in a week will increase footfall. It will create employment if a few guides will be stationed there to assist the visitors,” suggested Tanveer Ahmad Bhat, a local of Garkote village.

In August last year, Rustam Battalion under the aegis of Pir Panjal Brigade of the Dagger Division held its first-ever cultural festival named Jashn-E-Rustam near the LoC in Uri.

It is pertinent to mention that the event was only possible because of ceasefire agreement between the India-Pakistan armies at borders.