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In Pictures: Troubled paradise of Kashmir

Kashmir’s inherent beauty remains undiminished despite years of conflict that has swept the region.

A mother and her child in Anantnag, seemingly undisturbed by the turmoil in the region.
A mother and her child in Anantnag, seemingly undisturbed by the turmoil in the region.
By 
Sugato Mukherjee
4 Dec 2013

Picturesque Kashmir has often been described by many as a “Paradise on Earth”. 

Years of conflict in the Indian-administered region has in no way diminished its inherent beauty.

Ringed by snow-capped mountains and dotted with undulating valleys where a million flowers bloom, Kashmir has retained its charim despite an unresolved dispute between India and Pakistan over the region.

Since 1989, when an armed separatist uprising broke out, Kashmir has been more in the news for the violence and resultant deaths. Its natural unmatched beauty has taken a backseat in public consciousness.

However, beyond the news headlines, both Kashmir and the Kashmiris – residents of the region – continue to enthral those who decide to take a closer look. Both people and the place have a touch of being pristine.

A Kashmiri family in their kitchen. Traditionally the kitchen doubles up as the eating area where family members have their dinner together
A Kashmiri family in their kitchen. Traditionally the kitchen doubles up as the eating area where family members have their dinner together
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An old man with his grand daughter in a village in Ganderbal, one of the worst affected zones in Northern Kashmir
An old man with his grand daughter in a village in Ganderbal, one of the worst affected zones in Northern Kashmir
Kashmiris are hoping for a brighter future for the new generation
Kashmiris are hoping for a brighter future for the new generation
A young seller displays his merchandise to tourists on the famous Dal Lake 
A young seller displays his merchandise to tourists on the famous Dal Lake 
Pigeons at Shah Hamadan, one of the oldest Islamic shrines of the valley
Pigeons at Shah Hamadan, one of the oldest Islamic shrines of the valley
School children during lunch break in a city school in Srinagar. Education was severely disrupted at the height of violence.
School children during lunch break in a city school in Srinagar. Education was severely disrupted at the height of violence.
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School girls take pictures of the Tulip Garden at Sirajbagh in Srinagar.
School girls take pictures of the Tulip Garden at Sirajbagh in Srinagar.
A Kashmiri couple at Harwans Gardens in the outskirts of Srinagar.
A Kashmiri couple at Harwans Gardens in the outskirts of Srinagar.
A neighbourhood alley in Srinagar,
A neighbourhood alley in Srinagar,
The vegetable market on the Dal Lake gets busy every morning. It normally remains active even during curfews.
The vegetable market on the Dal Lake gets busy every morning. It normally remains active even during curfews.
An old woman praying at a shrine. The people of the valley are fervently hoping for lasting tranquility, something that has mostly eluded them in the past two decades.
An old woman praying at a shrine. The people of the valley are fervently hoping for lasting tranquility, something that has mostly eluded them in the past two decades.
Two women inside a shrine. The average Kashmiri is deeply religious and adheres to the religious guidelines in their daily lives.
Two women inside a shrine. The average Kashmiri is deeply religious and adheres to the religious guidelines in their daily lives.
A Kashmiri man offers his prayers at Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.
A Kashmiri man offers his prayers at Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.
Local tourists at Verinag, one of the oldest Mughal attractions in the Kashmir valley. 
Local tourists at Verinag, one of the oldest Mughal attractions in the Kashmir valley. 
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