Muzaffarabad- Authorities in Pakistani administred Kashmir have banned tourists from Neelum valley a day after four of its soldiers drowned after their vehicle was hit by Indian gunfire and plunged into a river.
Officials in Neelum, said the “threat” to people is too great and that no new tourists would be able to enter. The stay permits for those already in the Valley will not be extended.
Picturesque Neelum Valley stretches along the boundary separating the Pakistani- and the India-controlled parts of Kashmir and draws many tourists.
Pakistan army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the vehicle was targeted as it was moving along the Neelum river in Athmuqam town, 73 kilometres from capital Muzaffarabad.
“The vehicle fell into the river and four soldiers were killed,” Ghafoor said.
Earlier, Ghafoor alleged at a press briefing that ceasefire violations by India along the LoC were the highest in 2017.
“There were 315 ceasefire violation by India in 2014, 248 in 2015, and 382 in 2016 while this year so far the number of such violations is 580,” he alleged.
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