Stakeholders Demand Reopening of 48 Tourist Spots in Kashmir
Srinagar, KNT: Over a month after the deadly attack in Pahalgam that left 25 tourists and a local resident dead, political leaders and tourism stakeholders in Kashmir are urging the government to reopen 48 tourist destinations that were shut down in the aftermath of the violence.
Calling the prolonged closure “a blow to the Valley’s economic backbone,” PDP spokesperson Zuhaib Mir said, “We can’t talk about normalcy while tourist sites remain locked. Opening these areas even for locals would help restore a sense of confidence.”
Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha yesterday, also pressed for the early reopening of these sites. He emphasized the need for both revival and compensation, stating, “Tourism stakeholders have suffered irreparable losses. Reopening the spots is urgent.”
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), led by its president Javid Ahmed Tenga, also raised the matter with the LG during a recent meeting, underlining the pressing challenges faced by the tourism and trade sectors.
Meanwhile, tour operator Farooq Kuthoo argued that keeping destinations closed plays into the hands of the perpetrators. “We are getting tourist queries every day, but we can’t take them anywhere beyond Gulmarg and Dal Lake. It feels like surrendering to fear,” he said.
Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK) General Secretary Waseem Gosani also echoed this concern. “The sector has been crippled. Clear security protocols and guidelines at the sites can allow us to reopen without compromising safety,” he said.
Since the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, tourist spots like Gurez, Bangus, Doodpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan have remained off-limits.
The Valley had been witnessing a tourism boom in recent years, with over 3 crore tourists visiting since 2021. New infrastructure and employment opportunities had boosted the local economy until the recent setback.
Stakeholders warn that continued restrictions will reverse years of progress and appeal to the administration for a phased and safe reopening of all tourist destinations. [KNT]
