New Delhi: Some sightseeing spots around Pahalgam were thrown open on Tuesday, over a month after the April 22 terror attack that rocked the Valley and sent shockwaves across the country. Among the sightseeing spots that were opened to public today included the popular Betaab Valley. These spots were closed after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Sources revealed that the decision to reopen sightseeing places around Pahalgam was made to prevent tourists from leaving without experiencing any attractions. The move is expected to bring some relief and enjoyment to visitors coming to explore the Valley. The tourists places around Pahalgam were opened as Jammu and Kashmir’s Cabinet meeting was underway. While security concerns remain, the government hopes to balance safety and economic recovery.
48 tourist destinations were temporarily closed
Earlier, the decision to temporarily close 48 tourist destinations in Kashmir was taken for security audit following the Pahalgam terror attack. There were credible intelligence inputs warning of more potential terror attacks. However, the closure was strongly criticised by tourism stakeholders.
The 48 destinations that were closed fell across eight districts: Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kulgam, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Pulwama. These included Yousmarg, Kousarnag, Bangus Valley, Tosa Maidan, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Bangus, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Akad Park, Badamwari and Astanmarg View Point.
The Pahalgam attack had sparked widespread outrage across the region. People brought out rallies and demonstrations condemning the violence. A day after the attack on April 22, a strike call was given by traders, transporters and other several organisations and Srinagar witnessed a never-seen-before shutdown.
India retaliated by launching Operation Sindoor, which hit the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
