CM Omar Abdullah Urges For Reopening Of Closed J&K Tourist Spots 6 Months After Pahalgam Attack

Last Updated:October 19, 2025, 05:35 IST

The chief minister labelled the continued closure of dozens of key sites as a major impediment to the region's vital tourism sector

Abdullah stressed that his government's aggressive efforts to promote tourism, including sending delegations abroad, would be meaningless if popular local destinations remained inaccessible. File pic/PTI

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday voiced a strong appeal for the immediate reopening of numerous tourist destinations that were sealed by security agencies following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam six months prior.

The CM labelled the continued closure of dozens of key sites as a major impediment to the region’s vital tourism sector, calling for “some courage" from the security apparatus to normalise the situation.

A Vicious Attack and Economic Fallout

The demand comes six months after a gruesome terrorist attack took place on April 22 in the picturesque Baisaran Valley meadow near Pahalgam. Terrorists, belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF), opened fire on tourists, resulting in the killing of 26 civilians, most of whom were tourists from various Indian states. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the victims were selectively targeted based on their religious identity, with the attack designed to undermine the semblance of normalcy and communal harmony in the Union Territory.

In the immediate aftermath, the J&K government closed down an estimated 48 tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley as a precautionary measure. This decision, while driven by security concerns, resulted in a precipitous drop in tourist arrivals, with hotels reporting mass cancellations and the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism, facing significant distress.

The Chief Minister’s Plea

Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah stressed that his government’s aggressive efforts to promote tourism, including sending delegations abroad, would be meaningless if popular local destinations remained inaccessible. He pointed out the irony of promoting tourism while places like Doodhpathri, Drung (in Tangmarg), Aru Valley, and parts of Gulmarg remained shut.

“We did not shut these places in 35 years, even when the militancy was at its peak," Abdullah stated, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the current restrictions. He further added that the local population’s livelihoods are intrinsically linked to the tourism industry, which accounts for a substantial portion of J&K’s GDP. The CM assured stakeholders that he would personally take up the matter with the Union Home Minister to request the reopening of the remaining closed destinations, arguing that blanket closures only feed a negative perception of Kashmir.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that the Lieutenant Governor, who is in charge of security, had earlier announced the phased reopening of some spots—such as Aru Valley and Betaab Valley—but insisted that more decisive action was required to restore tourist confidence and bring back the vibrant economic activity witnessed before the April tragedy. The administration faces a crucial balancing act between ensuring the safety of visitors and reviving the economic lifeline of the region.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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News india CM Omar Abdullah Urges For Reopening Of Closed J&K Tourist Spots 6 Months After Pahalgam Attack

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