Editorial | Captivating Keran  

Almost 50 kilometres from district headquarters Kupwara, Keran has of late sprung up as a fairly great border tourist destination for within and outside the people of J&K. Located along the banks of Kishan Ganga river alternately known as Neelum, the destination is rich in scenic beauty and charm. With the impetus to tourism sector by the government of Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities and law enforcement agencies back in the frontier district have subsequently mellowed down on many stringent measures, otherwise in vogue for decades altogether, to pave way in making it a sought after destination for the people vying to explore raw, natural and virgin beauty of Valley Kashmir. To reach the Keran village, one has to pass through the Pharkiyan Gali, at an altitude of 9,634 ft from sea-level. Though the road is macadamized to a greater extent, however there still are almost three kilometers which are lying in a dilapidated condition making it tough for the drivers to negotiate the treacherous stretch. Even after reaching the Keran, there isn’t availability of mobile phone connectivity which again leaves a bad taste in the mouth of visitors. The administration has been taking measures to redress the issues, however given the influx of visitors the destination is witnessing off-late, the things need to be ramped up to make the things more easier and convenient to the locals and for the visitors alike.