A man from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has been accused of allegedly running an extortion racket targeting trekkers heading to high-altitude lakes through the Kudara route. He allegedly charges Rs 350 per person in the name of obtaining “permission” for trekking.
Trekkers who spoke to Kashmir Outlook alleged that the so-called permission is not an official authorisation and that those who refuse to pay are allegedly stopped and intimidated while returning from their trek.
Kashmir Outlook is in possession of a legal notice related to one such incident, purported screenshots of money transfers and videos that allegedly show attempts to intimidate trekkers and demand money from them.
According to trekkers familiar with the route, the alleged extortionist, Showkat Ahmad, a resident of Kudara in Bandipora, charges visitors Rs 350 per person before they proceed towards the highland lakes.
However, several trekkers questioned the basis of the payment, alleging that the “permission” being sold has no official sanction and that Ahmad does not have the authority to issue or arrange such permission.
The trekkers further alleged that those who refuse to pay are targeted on their return journey. They claimed that Ahmad and his associates block their path and threaten them with consequences.
In one such case, a trekking group alleged in a legal notice that its members were threatened and forced to make payments after returning from a trek. The notice sent by Adv. Sameer Ahmad Rather further alleges that valuables, including cameras and cash, were taken from them during the incident.
When contacted by Kashmir Outlook, Ahmad denied forcibly extorting trekkers but acknowledged taking Rs 5,000 in connection with the disputed incident.
“I took Rs 5,000 from him. It was my fault. What can I do? It will not happen again,” Ahmad said, adding that he was willing to compensate the complainant.
“Take Rs 10,000 from me. Don’t complain,” he said.
Ahmad maintained that he “helps” arrange trekking-related “permissions” and guides for some visitors. However, his account of how the permissions are obtained and which authority issues them appeared unclear.
“We make their permission,” he said.
Asked about the authority through which the permission is obtained, Ahmad said, “We get it from the camp. When they say no, we go to the CO,” while also stating that “government officials don’t give permission there.”
Ahmad denied allegations that cameras and other valuables were taken from trekkers, as he has been accused of snatching valuables.
He said around 100 people visit the area on Sundays and claimed that he, along with 3-4 people, part of his group, help arrange “permissions” for trekkers.
The alleged practice could generate a substantial amount of money every week. Trekkers and people familiar with the route said at least 250 people travel from Kudara towards the highland lakes on Sundays.
If all trekkers are charged Rs 350, the collection would amount to approximately Rs 87,500 every Sunday.
The allegations have raised questions over the legality of the collections, the authority under which the payments are being sought and the safety of trekkers using the route, particularly visitors from outside the area who may be unfamiliar with local procedures.
Kashmir Outlook attempted to contact Bandipora Police for comment on the allegations but could not reach them. The story will be updated if and when a response is received.
