Kashmir: global flashpoint, or tourist lure?
The answer: both, according to some entrepreneurial residents. Photos by Affan Chowdhry
Hotel manager Sajjad Akhtar explains how a bridge across the Neelum river connects Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (right) and Indian-controlled Kashmir. Twice a month, villagers - often family relations - are permitted to meet on the bridge under supervision of Pakistani and Indian soldiers, he says.Affan Chowdhry
Sajjad Akhtar gestures toward Indian-controlled Kashmir.Affan Chowdhry
A view from Upper Neelum village during late afternoon.Affan Chowdhry
Rehmat Khan stands outside his guest house in Upper Neelum village.Affan Chowdhry
Rehmat Khan shows one of the rooms in his guest house in Upper Neelum village.Affan Chowdhry
A view of one of the rooms in Rehmat Khan’s guest house in Upper Neelum village.Affan Chowdhry
Sections of the Neelum valley, en route to Sharda.Affan Chowdhry
A view across the Neelum valley from Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. The Line of Control in this part of the valley is basically the river - everything to the right, including the huts and homes on the valley floor is Indian-controlled Kashmir.Affan Chowdhry
More scenes from the Neelum valley, en route to Sharda.Affan Chowdhry
A cornfield by the main road running through Neelum valley.Affan Chowdhry