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In a sweeping move following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the Jammu & Kashmir government has shut down 48 out of its 87 tourist destinations and resorts, citing urgent security concerns. The closures include popular spots such as Yousmarg, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Bangus Valley, Eco Park Khadniyar, Padshapal and Cherry Tree Resort.

The preventive shutdown comes in the wake of the April 22 massacre at Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since 2019. The incident has triggered mass cancellations, with tourist arrivals at Srinagar airport dropping sharply.

According to Rakesh Wazir, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association in Katra, approximately 35 to 37 per cent of bookings have already been cancelled across Jammu & Kashmir. “The number of visitors in Katra has dwindled to just 20,000 from a previous 45,000,” Wazir told ANI, urging the public not to paint the entire region with the same brush as the attack site is far from Katra.

Local businesses in Pahalgam, which had been enjoying a thriving tourist season, are now facing existential threats. Many small business owners, who had taken loans to run their establishments, now fear they may not recover for years.

Authorities have responded with a flurry of security measures. Intensive raids have continued for a second week, with at least 175 suspects detained in Anantnag district alone as police and security forces work to dismantle terror networks.

Additional mobile checkpoints and patrols have been deployed, especially in sensitive areas and along major highways. The houses of four suspected terrorists have been demolished across Pulwama, Shopian, Kupwara and Kulgam districts, including those linked to the alleged masterminds of the Pahalgam attack.

Security operations have also extended to Srinagar, where search operations are targetting residences associated with known militants. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently visited Srinagar to review the security situation and ongoing counter-terror efforts.

The attack has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep regret in a special assembly session, saying, “As the host, it was my responsibility to ensure the safety of tourists and I failed in that duty. I do not know how to seek an apology”. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary called for the protection of Kashmiri students and citizens across the country.

India has also taken diplomatic steps, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and closing the integrated Attari Check Post, signalling a hardening stance against cross-border terrorism.

Whilst 48 sites are now off-limits, 39 tourist destinations continue to operate under heightened security. Authorities have indicated these may reopen once the situation stabilises and security conditions improve.

The closures have sparked protests among locals, who fear for their livelihoods and have called for decisive action against terrorism. Jammu & Kashmir’s hospitality and tourism sector now faces its toughest challenge in years, with recovery likely to hinge on both improved security and a shift in public perception.

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