
JK News Today Analysis
The inauguration of Z-Morh tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13 that will serve as a lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will translates dreams of millions in the territory to a pleasant reality . The dream coming true is seen as reducing distances but it also is a strategic marvel that will serve nation’s interests along the borders with China and Pakistan . It is in line with a series of such infrastructural projects across the country that has seen light of the day during the past 11 years of Narendra Modi’s rule. It is a strategic marvel , though is widely seen as an example of engineering excellence that will bring tourists to Sonmarg in all seasons of the year..
These developmental projects are born out of the strategic thinking of the nation’s top leadership which is more than conscious about the strategic needs of India . As the country has achieved tremendous progress in the past few years , its challenges too have increased manifold.
In the past 11 years , the country is in ascending order . The reasons are very simple: : the country has a political stable and a decisive government after a gap of many , many years . To be precise, India’s political system from 1989 onwards, in fact since 1986 , till the arrival of 2014- that is more than 25 years – was plagued with instability. Despite the fact that the Rajiv Gandhi presided over an absolute majority in Lok Sabha as Prime Minister , the political stability became victim to the corruption .
The Z-Morh tunnel conveys its own strategic dynamics . The economic gains have been counted – that Sonmarg will be accessible to the tourists throughout the year, boosting this enchantingly beautiful place as an all-weather tourist destination , it will also bring more Amarnath pilgrims , and boost trade between the Valley and Ladakh . Connectivity is at the roots of such developmental projects .
The most significant strategic gains that will change the whole dynamics of India’s defence preparedness in the region where it is faced with ever looming threat emanating from two hostile neighbours – Pakistan and China. Pakistan did Kargil in 1999 and China displayed its blatant and brazen aggression in eastern Ladakh for more than four and a half years . These two situations , part from other reasons which have been documented by the experts in the fields of defence and strategic thinking , arose because of the lack of proper connectivity .This resulted in a situation where India had to deploy extra troops in Kargil and eastern Ladakh for the whole of the year. There is no respite from that as it uncertain, despite agreements , whether the adversaries will stay within their own boundaries
While the history of these projects in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere can be traced to the previous regimes , the real-time work began only after Modi arrived at the national scene as Prime Minister .It was evident that his mind worked toward securing life and property of the people first . Jammu and Kashmir presented unique challenges – it was a hot spot of terrorism , tourism had receded to margins which was affecting the life of those who were associated with tourism , the backbone of the economy of the region.. The choke in the flow of tourists because of the dangerous situation in the Valley , the impact of which was felt elsewhere too because of the spillover factors , was also causing disaffection and giving readymade recruits to the militant outfits . The problem of terrorism continued to grow and the nation paid a heavy price in maintain the national security .
Z-Morh tunnel which will bring increased number of tourists to Sonmarg , which despite its immense beauty, , was considered as a poor cousin to the much publicized and visited tourist spots in the Valley, as it struggled with the connectivity problems . Now , with that problem getting solved, it is not only the year-round tourist destination but a place that will strengthen the idea of India , as it ceases its isolation for major part of the year. And, as it is situated at the cross-roads of Kashmir valley and Ladakh region .
This 6.4 km tunnel which will reduce the distance between Srinagar and Sonmarg by several miles will also reduce the external threats and put a lid on the lethal intentions of those looking for destabilizing the situation . It is more than a tunnel – as someone rightly described it is light at the end of tunnel for Kashmir and Ladakh, two of the most strategically important regions for the country.