Jammu and Kashmir’s 12 tourist destinations shut after the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 are reopening amid terror fears. At least 48 tourist destinations were closed after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 this year, which claimed lives of 26 civilians.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recently announced the opening of these 12 tourist destinations after an important security meeting. Out of the 12 tourist destinations, seven are located in Kashmir and five in Jammu.
The parks and gardens in and around Pahalgam, including Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, Bijbehara and Dara Shikoh Garden, were also reopened for tourists. Those re-opened in the Jammu division included Dagan Top in Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Chinkah in Reasi, Shiv Cave in Salal, Reasi, and Padri in Doda.
Baisaran Valley not opening immediately
However, Baisaran Valley, where the deadly terror attack had taken place is not being opened right now due to security concerns. There have been tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, to which India had responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7.
In June this year, 16 destinations were reopened by the govt, eight each from the Jammu and Kashmir regions. However, many popular destinations, including Doodhpathri and Aharbal, still remain closed for tourists. In this situation, will there be adequate security arrangements for tourists at the places that are being opened in J&K?
Decision taken post high-level meeting led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
A high-level meeting was held at the headquarters of the ‘Unified Command’ in Srinagar on Friday under the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, where several security-related issues were discussed. The meeting was also attended by Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat; GoC 15 Corps Lt. Gen. Prashant Srivastava, GoC 16 Corps Lt. Gen. P.K. Mishra, GoC 9 Corps Lt. Gen. Rajan Sharawat, Air Vice Marshal Vikas Sharma; and ADGP CID Nitish Kumar.
After the meeting, it was decided to open seven tourist destinations in Kashmir and five in Jammu. It is learnt that in addition to top army officers, high-ranking officers of the local police administration were also present in the meeting on Friday.
Reopening tourist spots in festival time is expected to bring footfalls
After the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, tensions between India and Pakistan increased. Keeping in mind the security, at least 48 tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir were ordered to be closed. This severely affected tourism, which is a major source of income for the local residents in that state. The paradise is gradually returning to rhythm. Hence, the decision to open 12 tourist centres at a time when India is celebrating festivals back to back like Navaratri and Durga Puja, which will be followed by Diwali and Chhath Puja. Reopening tourist attractions in the festival time is expected to boost the severely affected tourism in J&K.