“Kashmir breathes within its locals and visitors alike with a pulse that they can sense, a heartbeat that they can feel and an expression that they can personify” When one travels through the mountains and smells the aroma of the pine trees, the fallen Chinar leaves, hears the sound of gushing waters of Jhelum and is mesmerised by the beauty of the snow-clad mountains, undoubtedly, he is in Kashmir. Kashmir is known to have a soul of its own. Its cultural, ethnic and linguistic composition varies across the region. However as one travels through the rural villages in interiors of the valley, nestled along the slopes of the Himalayas, one gets the true picture of the Kashmiri local traditions and the unconditional love and hospitality being offered by these simple and adorable locals. And one carries home long lasting memories of the picturesque landscapes and most certainly the Kashmiri folks and their hospitality. Situated in the Northern part of Kashmir is the Tangdhar Valley, which is a famous tourist spot and is known for Chilliana – Tithwal Crossing Bridge astride Kishanganga River. Amroi is a small village on the Western side of the Tangdhar Valley. It’s a landmark in itself as the village lies close to the Line of Control. This small village comprising of around 40 Mohallas has a population of around 1400. The people are majorly Muslims who speak Pahari, Gujjari and Urdu and their closest links culturally and ethnically are to the Gilgit-Baltistan region in the PIOK. The communities of Amroi include Gujjars and Paharis. They practice farming, sheep rearing and weaving as their major occupations. People of Amroi have always been nationalistic and this small village has produced several renowned personalities, who have earned a name for themselves in the state and national scenario. One such personality is Dr. Gulam Nabi. He is a very famous doctor and is currently residing in USA. He was born and brought up in Amroi village and later went on to become a famous doctor in USA. He is a philanthropist and organizes medical camps for the people of Amroi every year. There are several government officers and civil employees as well from this village. This village has given India several leaders and soldiers who have served India till their last breath. A few such personalities of Amroi include Meharban Shah and Ajaz Rehman. Both these individuals were instrumental in the Indo – Pak War of 1971 contributing immensely in matters related to Intelligence gathering. Before the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, people used to go from Amroi to today’s Pak illegally occupied Kashmir. People of Amroi refer to this trade system as “Barabari System”. People used to trade clothes, ghee and other eatables (commonly known as “Naswaar” among locals) under this Amroi Barabari System. Exchange of such commodities especially shoes and tape recorders were still in practice in the initial few years of independence. This village witnessed peace till late 1980s. Like many other parts of the valley in 1989, this village was also hit by terrorism. Terrorism found new ways and means to grow in this valley post 1990 and the even today the region is facing Pak sponsored narco-terrorism. Smuggling of contraband materials especially Brown Sugar which started in 2010 has become a serious problem in this area. Although local Police and Indian Army soon acted against smuggling activities and a check has been imposed on smuggling in the last few years. People of Amroi have been true nationalist and take lot of pride in working towards nation building. Army too has played its part in improving the living standards of local population. Locals especially the elder people of Amroi narrate tales of Indian Army and its heroics and the role they played in throwing out the Pak sponsored raiders and Razakkars, marauding the valley in 1947. Indian Army has undertaken various welfare activities like constructing several water pipelines, constructing a flour mill for locals in Amroi which is still called Rakhi Chakki by the locals, providing road connectivity to Amroi and other villages, helping locals in organizing their marriages and providing transportation facilities especially ambulance services to locals in emergencies etc. Amroi village stands tall against all the disturbances posed by terrorism in 90s and recent narco-terrorism sponsored by hostile neighbour. The real strength of the village has been the elders who are filled with nationalistic pride and are determined to lead the village on path of development.
