Soon you learn that a terrorist from this area is been eliminated by the security forces a couple of days ago; hence a preventive measure for a possible backlash.

Silence ensues thereafter until you reach National Highway No 1. Signs of traffic here give a sigh of relief. Then, crossing ‘Sangam’, place renowned for its Kashmiri Chinar yellow teak, wood extensively used for manufacturing best Cricketing bats, an interesting anecdote associated with this place comes to light.

Thespian Raj Kapoor once serenaded the gorgeous Vaijantimala in his 1964 Magnum Opus ‘Sangam’ with famous song lyrics “Bol Radha Bol Sangam Hoga Ke Nahi”. Following which, as tribute, the locals rechristened this place as ‘Sangam’.

‘Sangam’ incidentally is also the place of confluence (sangam) of two Rivers, Ranbi Ara & Veshaw before they merge into the massive Jhelum.

Later while passing through Avintapura, situated between Anantnag & Srinagar, Adil calls up someone from his mobile to check if all is fine.

Reason : 10 Kms to the left of NH1 is a place called ‘Tral’. This is the same place in ‘Pulwama’ Disrtict from where the slain separatist Burhanwani of Hizbul Mujahideen hailed. Unquestioningly an area is now prone to violence thus necessitating the call.

Your thoughts almost instantly flow back to July 2016 and aftermath, when Whani’s elimination brought Kashmir into throes of unprecedented turbulence. Allying my fear, Adil responded – “ Dont worry, they don’t harm the Tourists”.