SRINAGAR, April 29: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday announced the closure of 48 tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley in the aftermath of the horrific terror attack on tourists at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam town.
The attack, which has drawn nationwide outrage, claimed the lives of 25 tourists, including a Nepali national and a local. Reports indicate that terrorists singled out Hindu men during the shooting.
Of the Valley’s 87 tourist destinations, 48 have now been closed. The affected spots include: Yousmarg, Tousmaidan, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Bangus, Kariwan Diver Chandigam, Bangus Valley, Wular/Watlab, Rampora and Rajpora, Chearhar, Mundij-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall, Khampoo, Bosnia, Vijitop, Sun Temple, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margantop, Akad Park, Habba Khatoon Point, Babareshi, Ringawali, Gogaldara, Baderkote, Shrunz Waterfall, Kamanpost, Namblan Waterfall, Eco Park Khadniyar, Sangarwani, Jamia Masjid, Badamwari, Rajori Kadal, Aali Kadal, Padshapal resorts, Faqir Gujri, Dara, Astanmarg View Point, Astanmarg Paragliding, Mamneth and Mahadev Hills, Buddhist Monastery, Dachigam – Beyond Trout Farm / Fisheries Farm, Astanpora — especially Qayam Gah resort, Lachpatri, Hung Park, and Naranag.
An official mentioned that while some of these closures are temporary, the decision was taken as a precaution following the attack. Meanwhile, the remaining destinations have been fortified with proper security measures.
The attack has caused a sharp decline in tourist arrivals at Srinagar airport and a broader drop in tourism activity across the region.
Condemnation has poured in from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly denounced the attack and vowed that the terrorists, along with their backers and handlers, would be “hunted down and given a punishment they could not imagine.”
In response to the attack, security forces have demolished 10 houses belonging to active terrorists, including those of Adil Hussain Thoker and Asif Sheikh — two men believed to have been involved in the massacre.
On Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. The resolution described the incident as “heinous, barbaric, inhumane, and a cowardly act” and said such acts strike at the heart of Kashmiriyat, constitutional values, and the spirit of unity, peace, and harmony. It also extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with them.
