Spring in Kashmir? Srinagar to host Tulip festival amidst violence

As violence rocks the valley once again, Srinagar is all set to host a mega Tulip festival beginning from April 1.

Recently at a function in Mumbai, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti invited the audience to attend the Tulip festival in Srinagar, that begins on April 1. While inviting guests to Srinagar, the chief minister assured that peace was back in the valley and tourists should come and enjoy the beauty of the state. During last summer, we all witnessed how violence rocked the entire valley, killing more than a hundred civilians and security personnel.

The state administration is hoping that this year things would be different. But all is not well in the valley. With regular, infiltration of terrorists from across the border and clash between the civilians and security personnel, things are far from normal in the state currently.

We bring you a glimpse of the natural beauty of the state and everyday trouble and chaos in the lives of the residents of the valley...

Oh! These lovely tulips

As the spring sets in and flowers are in full bloom, the Jammu and Kashmir government is all set to host guests at a first-of-its-kind 15-day festival to showcase the treasures of Asia's largest tulip garden in Srinagar.

Picture credit: PTI

It’s a record: 20 lakh tulips

The festival will be hosted at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, overlooking the scenic Dal Lake. The garden has more than 20 lakh tulips of 46 varieties and its opening marks the beginning of tourism season in the valley.

Picture credit: PTI

Enjoy the beauty of Kashmir!

The mega tulip festival will be a part of Bahaar-e-Kashmir (Spring in Kashmir) event to showcase Asia's largest tulip garden in the summer capital of Srinagar. At the festival site, decorated kiosks and stalls will showcase rich handicrafts and cuisine of the valley with traditional, ethnic touch.

Picture credit: PTI

So beautiful! Are they real?

On the sidelines of this mega festival, an 'Aalmi Mushaira' event will be held wherein world famous poets will enthral the audience with their latest Urdu compositions. This too would be first-of-its-kind in the Valley.

Picture credit: PTI

All is not well!

On Tuesday, three persons were killed and 18 injured in security forces' action against protesting stone pelters in Durbugh area of Chadoora in central Kashmir's Budgam district during an anti-militancy operation by security forces that led to exchange of fire in which one militant was killed.

Picture credit: PTI

Blood and chaos

Local protesters try to disrupt an anti-militant operation at village Durbugh in Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district on Tuesday. One militant and three civilians were killed in the operation.

Picture credit: PTI

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