J&K: 48 tourist destinations shut after terror warning
The tourist locations that have been closed are in far-flung areas of Kashmir and include some of the new destinations thrown open over the past 10 years
In the aftermath of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have temporarily shut 48 of the 87 tourist destinations in the valley citing intelligence inputs warning of more attacks.
Gates have been closed at 48 of the 87 tourist sites in Kashmir in view of the threat perception to tourists, officials said on Tuesday (April 29). They said the security review was an ongoing process and more locations may be added to the list in the coming days.
Also read: Tourist exodus leaves Kashmiris panicking over livelihoods | Pahalgam attack
The decision comes after the government drew flak from Opposition parties over its alleged failure to ensure the safety of tourists at Baisaran meadow. They have accused the government of prioritising optics over real security preparedness, especially after promoting Kashmir as a safe and all-season tourist destination in national and international forums.
Unfeasible to provide security
The officials said the tourist locations that have been closed are in far-flung areas of Kashmir and include some of the new destinations thrown open over the past 10 years.
Officials believe it is currently impractical to provide full-time security in these isolated locations. “Until these regions are secured, it would be inappropriate to allow tourist activity, especially after the recent attack in Pahalgam,” sources said.
A senior official said the closures span multiple districts and are based on the current security situation. These measures are intended to ensure tourist safety and are expected to be temporary, with sites reopening once conditions improve.
Notably, security has been stepped up in the remaining destinations, including Gulmarg and Sonamarg, to allow tourists to visit without fear.
Key destinations out of bounds
Among the destinations that have been shut down for not having “adequate” security presence included famous resorts like the Gurez valley, Dodapathri, Verinag, the Bangus valley and Yusmarg.
Gurez, one of the closed destinations, is a valley on the Line of Control (LoC) in Bandipora district that has become immensely popular among tourists over the last decade.
Dodapathri, a meadow that was emerging as a favourite tourist destination for its proximity to Srinagar city — just 45 km away — has also been shut. The Bangus valley in north Kashmir’s Kupwara and Verinag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag have also been closed to tourists.
Thrown open to tourists some time back, the Kaman post in Uri, on the LoC, has also been closed. It had been a favourite spot among picnickers both from within and outside Kashmir.
Also read: Pahalgam attack: Meet the Kashmiri guide who risked his life to save 11 tourists
The government has also decided to close Kousarnag, a high-altitude lake in south Kashmir’s Shopian, for tourists. Kousarnag is also a trekking trail famous with adventure tourists and trekkers.
In Srinagar city, the government has decided not to allow tourists to visit Jamia Masjid — the grand mosque in the heart of the Old City.
Officials said police and paramilitary forces will erect checkpoints outside these tourist destinations and not allow them to go beyond designated areas.
Meanwhile, in a related move, the administration in Kupwara district recently issued a public advisory urging tourists to seek prior permission before visiting border areas like Karnah, Keran, Machil, and Bungus Valley.
Setback to tourism sector
The move comes at a time when tourism in the region has been witnessing a significant boom. Last year, Jammu and Kashmir recorded its highest-ever tourist footfall, with 2.36 crore visitors, including domestic travellers, foreign tourists, and pilgrims visiting Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi.
In addition to traditional destinations, many tourists have started exploring lesser-known spots in Kashmir. In South Kashmir, the number of trekkers from across the country has recently increased, according to tour operators.
Scores of tourists cut short their visit to Kashmir in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. The government arranged additional flights between Delhi and Srinagar and a special train from Katra to Delhi for the stranded tourists.
Also read: Onus of Pahalgam massacre is on Centre, but Omar will bear the brunt
Passenger traffic at Srinagar International Airport has witnessed a sharp decline, with air travel to the region significantly affected as safety concerns deter tourists.
Stakeholders express concern
These developments have jolted stakeholders in the valley’s tourism trade, as hoteliers, cab owners and tour operators have expressed deep concern over the fallout. Many staged protests in different areas, condemning the terror attack and expressing solidarity with the victims, while warning of the economic blow to thousands of families dependent on tourism.
The tourism department has now advised travel agencies to modify itineraries and avoid destinations currently under restrictions. Officials said the decision would be reviewed periodically, and destinations would be reopened in phases once security assessments permit.
