Union Tourism Minister Shekhawat appreciates uptick in tourist footfall in Kashmir

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday (July 7, 2025) appreciated the uptick witnessed in tourist footfall in Kashmir in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha targeted Pakistan for “trying to create a divide on communal lines”.

Touring Kashmir, Mr. Shekhawat said that tourism had come to a standstill in J&K after the terror attack, which left 26 civilians, mostly tourists, dead. “Tourism has bounced back, and infused a new life to the Valley.”

The Union Minister said the Centre and the J&K Government worked in tandem to “ensure this turnaround in tourism”. He said the regular visits of Ministers and inter-ministerial coordination meetings were helping in “the revival of tourism”. “Tourism in Kashmir will once again reach its peak,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sinha, who attended ‘Harbah Utsav’ at Mata Sidh Lakshmi Temple in Anantnag, said, “People need to identify and isolate those who, on behalf of the terrorist nation Pakistan, are trying to create a divide on communal lines. They are the enemies of peace and development and we must stand united against such elements.”

The Lieutenant-Governor emphasised on unity in diversity and urged everyone to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and values of selfless service. “We must spread the message of compassion, selflessness, and the inherent divinity of all beings. We should encourage young people to treat everyone with respect and dedicate themselves to build a just and humane society,” he said.