History
Uri came into existence when Maharaja Gulab Singh bought Kashmir by paying seventy five lakh Nanakshahi coins, and started the construction of Muzaffarabad – Srinagar road also known as Jhelum valley road. The construction of the road commenced in 1860, and was completed in 1880. Uri is the Gateway to Kashmir Valley. It is located at an altitude of 4300 feet on the banks of Jhelum River. Uri was a small flourishing hamlet prior to independence, and a holiday resort for Maharajas of Jammu & Kashmir and Poonch. Situated almost half way between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar, it was the most convenient halting point for tourists and other traffic to and from the Valley. Residents of Uri were mainly engaged in running wayside restaurants and cafes. Uri is shaped like a cup, with the town at the base and encircled by high hills. It has been a significant battlefield in all wars fought with Pakistan. Today, it forms the strategic gateway between POK and the valley. The town itself is a Tehsil Headquarters of Baramulla District with all required infrastructure like High School, hospital and a small market with approximately 120 shops.Uri has witnessed the passage of flag bearers of major religious of the world. The Pandu feature, which is an off shoot of Chhota Kazi Nag Dhar is believed to have housed the Pandavas during their exile. The Pandu mandir at Lagama, Datha mandir at Bandi, Khadim Mandir at Buniyar lend credence to this legend. Uri follows the version of Islam as interpreted and propagated by Sufis and Pirs. Hence, we notice the proliferation of Ziarats constructed in honour of Pirs. Some of the famous Ziarats are those of Baba Farid at Farida, Baba Kazinag at Shahadara and Baba Gafoor Sahib at Pirnain. Uri’s reputation as a confluence of religion is further strengthened by the Chhenvi Pad Shahi Gurudwara of Guru Har Gobind Singh the sixth Guru of Sikhs. It is interesting to note, that the Gurudwara is co-located with the Ziarat of Panch Pir at Paran Pilan.Uri has etched a place for itself in post-independence military history. In 1947, the raiders were driven back from Badgam to Chakothi. At the end of this campaign, the tricolour fluttered atop Pirpanjal. In the 1965 War, Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar was defeated with the capture of Hajipir Pass. In 1971, fierce battles raged around Uri for the capture of key enemy localities.
Read more about this topic: Uri, Jammu And Kashmir
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