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Road access to the remote Gurez valley of Jammu and Kashmir was finally restored on Tuesday, nearly five months after the area had been cut off due to heavy snow. Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh, the commander of the Indian Army's Chinar Corps, declared open the Razdhan Pass, which connects Gurez to Kashmir valley.

The mountainous Razdhan Pass, which touches an altitude of 11,700 feet, is considered the lifeline of Gurez. However, due to heavy snowfall in January, the road had become inaccessible. Though road access to Gurez is suspended every year, road clearing and repair operations took about an extra month this year due to the record snowfall in December and January.

The pass was declared open by the Chinar Corps commander at a function also attended by the deputy commissioner of Bandipora.

Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, speaking on the occasion, complimented the Border Roads Organisation and civil labour department for the efforts they made in restoring the pass. The Indian Air Force was also complimented for its efforts in providing supplies and airlifting nearly 450 civilians during winters.

Source-On Request