As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure in border areas, the army, in collaboration with the government, has established the Shina Cultural Centre (Shinon Meeras) in the picturesque valley of Gurez. The primary objective of this centre is to preserve and promote the rich artistic heritage of the Dard-Shin tribal community and to offer the world a glimpse into its vibrant culture.

The inauguration of the Shinon Meers, the Shina Cultural Centre, was carried out by the Lieutenant Governor, and it was dedicated by the Indian army to the people of Gurez. This unique initiative serves as a tribute by the Indian army to the preservation and safeguarding of Shina Culture and the ethos of the Shina Dard-Shine community.
The Shina Cultural Centre will function as the first museum dedicated to the Dardis, tracing the journey of Shina culture, languages, and the Gurezi way of life. It houses various artifacts, monuments, and valuable assets that vividly depict the essence of Shina culture. The centre not only offers valuable insights to travellers but also provides historians with an opportunity to delve into both tangible and intangible art forms. Moreover, it stands as a vibrant space for the community to share their stories and exhibit their cherished traditions.
The Shina Culture Centre is situated along the banks of the Kishanganga River and nestled behind the Lala Ded Peak. This location adds to its allure, making it a splendid destination for tourists. It stands as a unique endeavour, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Shina community—a first of its kind.
The artifacts preserved within the cultural museum at the Shina Culture Centre hold special significance for the people of Gurez. Positioned at the heart of Gurez, its strategic location allows visitors and tourists to gain insight into the way of life of the Dard-Sin community in bygone days.
Gurez (also known as Gurais) is situated in the Bandipora district of northern Kashmir. Locally, Bandipora is renowned as one of the educated, beautiful, and civilized districts of Kashmir. It is most famous for being home to Asia's second-largest freshwater lake, Wular Lake, which is surrounded by mountains and water bodies. Gurez is located in close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC), just 123 kilometres away from Srinagar. Perched high in the Himalayas, one of the most captivating features of Bandipora is the Gurez Valley, a destination frequently visited by people.
The valley gets disconnected from the rest of the world for over seven months each year due to heavy snowfall and its rugged terrain. Gurez stands as one of the most intriguing offbeat tourist destinations in the Kashmir valley. A particularly captivating aspect of this region is the flowing water of the Kishanganga River at the base of the mountains.
The Shina Cultural Centre (SCC), known as Shinon Meers, stands as the inaugural cultural centre aimed at offering insights into the people, traditions, culture, and ways of life of the Shina community residing in Gurez. Gurez boasts a rich and profound history, with numerous historical events intertwined with its valley. This initiative serves to draw the attention of visitors towards the Dard-Shin community and their significant contributions to the nation-building process.
In recent years, border tourism has gained momentum, and remote destinations that once seemed unimaginable have risen in popularity, primarily due to the swift development of infrastructure. Gurez, too, has experienced transformative changes and witnessed advancements over the past three years, both in terms of development and the influx of tourists.
For the readers, the term "Dard-Shin" refers to the ethnic and linguistic group of people who belong to the Dardic language group and are part of the larger Shin community. The Dardic languages are a subgroup of the Indo-Aryan language family and are spoken in certain regions of northern Pakistan, India, and eastern Afghanistan. The "Shin" people are a specific community within this linguistic group. They are known for their unique cultural heritage, and the term "Dard-Shin" is often used to collectively refer to the people belonging to this community. This Shina Cultural Centre is a unique tribute to preserve and promote glorious artistic heritage of Dard-Shin tribal community, providing glimpses of its rich culture to the world: LG Sinha. The Shina Cultural Centre aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Dard-Shin community in the Gurez region.
The museum has been established through the collaboration and coordination of various institutions. It boasts a diverse range of features, including digital displays, exhibits, artifacts, textiles, interactive boards, and distinct sections. These sections encompass aspects such as Dardistan, Kishanganga River, Gurezi way of life, Language Section, Symbiotic Relationship with the Indian Army, Souvenir Section, and an AV room. Notably, the Sand Art section will showcase Operation ERAZE, an Indian Army operation conducted for the liberation of Gurez in 1948.
Completed within a span of 90 days, the museum stands in front of the Shina Cultural Centre, accompanied by a picturesque resting spot at the banks of the Kishanganga River. The Lieutenant Governor expressed, "Gurez has undergone transformative changes in the past three years. Our unwavering focus has been on fortifying physical infrastructure, ensuring a skilled workforce, and cultivating a conducive environment for new business ventures to thrive."
The restoration of peace along the borders has ushered in significant changes in border tourism. This transformation has led to a substantial influx of tourists to the Gurez valley. This influx has not only had a positive impact on the local economy but has also contributed to the overall development of the Gurez valley.