KUALA LUMPUR: A MALAYSIAN tourist in Kashmir relates how she and her mother saw first-hand the military buildup in Kashmir just days before the two nations started attacking each other.
Lim Joan Dee, 30, said locals seemed to know something was up when military presence in the Himalayan state, which is known as the mini Switzerland of Asia, was ramped up.
She spent five days in Kashmir and the following is her story: “The scenery was just spectacular, but what I did not anticipate was the military presence and security checks.
“Getting out of the Srinagar Airport, I soon realised that I was in a war zone, where hundreds of soldiers were posted in different stations and another hundred trying to get into the airport to get to the military planes.
“As a Malaysian, I have never seen this many tanks and heavy artillery with soldiers fully equipped to spring into action.
“We were afraid to look into their eyes, fearing that we could be subjected to some harassment.
“The journey from the airport to town was tense, with tanks lined up on the roadside and soldiers stationed every 100m apart.
“The military could be seen even on the upper floors of abandoned construction buildings. Our driver told us not to worry as tourists are well-protected.
“However, barely 15 minutes into this conversation, we were stopped by a group of police and they asked for a bribe. We gave them some money and left quickly.
“Given a second chance, we wouldn’t have risked our lives being there.
“Srinagar has the most stringent security checks in my travelling experience.
“It starts from 1km before the airport gate. You are required to disembark the car with your luggage and passport. Your bags will be scanned and you will be subjected to a body check.
“There was a total of five body scans between that checkpoint to boarding the plane. We met a group of Malaysians at the boarding hall and they also had a similar experience and were approached by military men for bribes.
“Surely, you wouldn’t want to antagonise these soldiers!
“With the recent clash between the two governments, I can only imagine the heightened security in and around Kashmir. Poverty and sanitation are already major problems in this region.
“Even though it has some of the most amazing scenery, I don’t think I will be going back to Kashmir anytime soon, if ever.”