New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered to close 48 out of 87 tourist destinations across Kashmir after intelligence agencies warned of more terror attacks in the wake of the deadly strikes in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 lives were lost.
According to the officials, among the 87 tourist spots open for public, the closed ones are involved in anti-terror activities or they are located in areas deemed to be vulnerable. This is connected to the intensified efforts of security forces to take down terrorism in the region.
Yousmarg, Tousimaidan, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Sinthan Top, Verinag Garden, Rajori Kadal Hotel Kanaaz, Eco Park Khadniyar, Sangarwani, Chearhar, Rampora and Rajpora are among the areas in Kashmire to be temporarily shut.
Those 39 tourist spots permitted to remain open will be kept under heightened security, according to an official, as reported by News18.com.
According to a report by Indiatoday.in, security forces have deployed anti-fiyadeeen squads, primarily from Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, at sensitive locations of the Union Terrirory. Some of the locations include Sonamarg, Dal Lake, and Gulmarg.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir has been hit with decline in tourism. According to Kashmir Hotels Association (KHA), a massive 80% bookings have been slashed. This is a contrary approach to the summer season, which is used to attract peak tourism for vacations.
Apart from the hotels, the gondola rides and other sightseeing avenues have seen a huge dip in visitors, suggesting 35-40% decrease. Even the religious events such as Yatra pilgrimage, which is known for attracting thousands of devotees, has also been affected. Initial projections suggest that 45,000 pilgrims have been reduced.
On April 22, a group of terrorists opened fire at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, resulting in deaths of 25 tourists and a local. One of the tourist was from Nepal. The brutal attack has been condemned across the globe.
