Opinion | Army’s Role in Border Tourism and Women empowerment in Kargil

It’s not only integrity and sovereignty that our soldiers have protected, but they have also proven their commitment through people-oriented initiatives such as the development of border tourism and the emancipation and empowerment of women 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.

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.

Tourism in the Kargil region has traditionally been surpassed by the more popular Leh area. However, the Indian Army, in collaboration with local administrations and civil society groups, has taken significant steps to harness the tourism potential of the region like their contribution is immense in opening the place to concept of “War Tourism” by preserving and promoting sites associated with the Kargil War. The Kargil War Memorial in Dras, dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 war in operation Vijay and become a symbol of valour, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The Army organizes guided tours and memorial services, helping visitors understand the sacrifices of the armed forces while boosting the local economy through increased footfall.

Through Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill), the Army has undertaken road and communication development, making previously inaccessible areas accessible and tourist-friendly. For instance, roads leading to remote villages under projects like Kargil-Hambotingla-Batalik Road and the Batalik-Khalse Road connects border villages located right near the LoC enabling homestay tourism and cultural exchange.

The Army has facilitated eco-tourism and adventure sports like trekking, river rafting in the Suru River, and high-altitude mountain biking. Joint efforts with organizations such as the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and tourism departments have unlocked scenic routes through Zanskar and Suru valleys, introducing travellers to unique high-altitude experiences with Army logistics and medical support available in emergencies. The Army supports cultural festivals such as the Suru Valley Festival and Kargil Ladakh Tourism Festival, which exhibit local dance, music, handicrafts, and cuisine. These events, often organized in coordination with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and Union Territory Administration, promote inter-cultural dialogue and uplift local artisans.

In addition to these historical efforts, the Indian Army has increasingly recognized that women hold the central position of every society and empowering women in border areas is vital to sustainable peace and development. In Kargil, traditional gender roles and socio-cultural norms have relegated females to four walls and hindered their participation in education, economic activities, and leadership. The Army’s initiatives are instrumental in targeting these structural challenges and mainstreaming women as equal participants of the country.

In the framework of Operation Sadbhavana, the Army has established Women Empowerment Centres (WECs) like “Sankoo Womens Empowerment Centre” and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in areas such as Dras, Kargil town, and Batalik. These centers offer vide range of training in tailoring, weaving, food processing, computer literacy, and entrepreneurship. One significant cases is the Army’s tailoring centre in Dras, where local women are trained to produce garments and handicrafts which are later sold during cultural festivals or through Army-facilitated outlets.

Honoring and acknowledging education as the cornerstone of empowerment, the Army has chosen several schools under Sadbhavana, upgrading infrastructure and ensuring the availability of teaching resources. Special scholarships are provided for girls from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education. The Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) in Kargil and surrounding regions ensure excellent education with a special focus on gender inclusion. Along side education the other challenges are being taken care of like women in Kargil’s remote areas majorly face challenges accessing healthcare, especially maternal and reproductive services. Army medical camps provide free check-ups, distribution of sanitary products, and awareness sessions on hygiene and nutrition. Periodic camps have been critical in building trust and improving women’s health outcomes in the region.

Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), facilitated by Army outreach, are now engaged in activities ranging from dairy farming to tourism hospitality. In 2023, the Indian Army partnered with LAHDC Kargil and NABARD to support SHGs in food processing and marketing for indigenous farm products. Many women who once remained confined to domestic roles are now micro-entrepreneurs, managing homestays, running eco-cafes, or working as local guides. The accomplishments of these efforts and initiatives owe much to collaboration between the Army, local administration, and NGOs. The Kargil Development Project, a joint endeavour involving LAHDC, Army Sadbhavana cells, and various Ladakhi civil organizations, channels resources and technical know-how into grassroots development.

The Army’s dual focus on tourism and women’s empowerment is delivering measurable socio-economic dividends like tourist inflow to Kargil increased by 28% from 2021 to 2023 according to the Ladakh Tourism Department, Over 1,200 women have gained vocational training since 2020 through Army-run centres, female school enrolment in Army Goodwill Schools has improved significantly, reaching near parity with male students in 2024 and one of the biggest and landmark achievement is made by War memorial tourism that contributes an estimated ₹5 crore annually to the local economy.

The efforts and mission are still going on as there is a long way to go amidst challenges faced internally and externally by the country, the Indian Army is ready for any challenge and to address any issue. There are plans to introduce digital tourism apps and drone-based landscape mapping to modernize the visitor experience.

The Indian Army’s endeavours in Kargil demonstrate a holistic approach to national security, one that goes beyond military engagement to include development, empowerment, and integration. By promoting border tourism and uplifting women, the Army is not only shaping Kargil’s socio-economic landscape but also fortifying India’s border communities with pride, resilience, and opportunity.

Bhataafiya75@gmail.com