The recent Amarnath land row put paid to the Kashmir administration’s efforts to convert Sutta Haran into a tourist spot.

Legend has it that Sita crossed the Lakshman Rekha in the nondescript hamlet at the foothills of Pir Panjal and was abducted by demon king Ravana, while she was in exile for 14 years with Ram and Lakshman.

The Budgam district authorities were very keen to develop the site for pilgrims and have even set aside funds for the purpose. A better road link, uninterrupted electricity and other facilities have also been planned, but the Amarnath land row shelved the project.

The rundown, sparsely populated village has a small pond, Sita Nag. Villagers also point to Pari Zampan, caves perched atop a hill where they say Ram lived with his family. The caves bear striking resemblance to the Pandawa-era monuments widely found in Kashmir.