J&K govt closes 48 of 87 tourist destinations in Kashmir following Pahalgam massacre; security raids continue

Kashmir tourism suffers major setback after the Pahalgam attack

In the aftermath of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, the Jammu and Kashmir government has shut down dozens of resorts and more than half of the tourist destinations across the Union Territory. The move, described as a preventive security measure, has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s crucial tourism industry.

At least 48 resorts and major tourist sites have been closed temporarily. Prominent locations like Doodhpathri and Verinag have been made off-limits for tourists as authorities aim to prevent any further security incidents.

The closures come amid growing uncertainty over Kashmir’s tourism-dependent economy. In the wake of the Pahalgam massacre, terrified tourists have been fleeing the region, while many others have canceled their upcoming trips. Just a week ago, the town of Pahalgam bustled with tourists; today, the footfall has plunged sharply.

Locals fear that the sharp decline in tourism will severely impact their livelihoods, as the town struggles to recover from the trauma of the attack.

According to officials, 48 of Kashmir’s 87 tourist destinations have been closed temporarily for security reasons. These include: Yousmarg, Tosa Maidan, Doodhpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Bangus Valley, Kariwan Diver Chandigam, Wular/Watlab, Rampora, Rajpora, Chearhar, Mundij-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall, Khampoo, Bosnia, Vijitop, Sun Temple, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Akad Park, Habba Khatoon Point, Babareshi, Ringawali, Gogaldara, Baderkote, Shrunz Waterfall, Kamanpost, Namblan Waterfall, Eco Park Khadniyar, Sangarwani, Jamia Masjid, Badamwari, and several resorts and cafés including Hotel Kanaaz, JJ Food Restaurant, IVORY Hotel, Padshapal Resort, Cherry Tree Resort (Faqir Gujri), North Cliff Café and Retreat by Stay Pattern, Forest Hill Cottage, Eco Village Resort (Dara), and others like Astanmarg View Point and Mahadev Hills.

Destinations like the Buddhist Monastery at Dachigam (beyond the trout/ fisheries farm), Astanpora (especially Qayam Gah Resort), Lachpatri, Hung Park, and Naranag have also been shut.

Officials clarified that some tourist destinations remain open but are under heavy security cover. The closures are said to be temporary and under constant review based on threat assessments.

Meanwhile, Srinagar International Airport has witnessed a steep drop in passenger traffic since the attack.

Passenger movement figures:

• April 23: 17,653 passengers (6,561 arrivals, 11,092 departures, across 112 flights)
• April 24: 15,836 passengers (4,456 arrivals, 11,380 departures, across 118 flights)
• April 25: 14,041 passengers (over 100 flights)
• April 26: 14,783 passengers (over 106 flights)

While the number of flights remains largely unchanged, the load factor (occupancy rate) has significantly decreased, indicating a sharp fall in tourism-related travel.

Simultaneously, law enforcement agencies have intensified operations against terror sympathizers across Kashmir.

The Srinagar Police, continuing its crackdown on terrorist infrastructure, conducted raids at 34 locations in the city, bringing the total number of house searches across Kashmir to over 1,000.

A police statement said that the searches were carried out under proper legal procedures, supervised by Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses. The operations aimed to seize arms, digital devices, documents, and collect evidence related to terrorist conspiracies and activities.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police emphasized their commitment to dismantling the terror-supporting ecosystem, warning that individuals promoting violence or unlawful activities would face strict legal consequences.

“We are determined to ensure peace and security in Srinagar and across Kashmir,” the statement asserted.

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