The Jammu and Kashmir administration has temporarily shut down more than half of the region’s tourist destinations following a deadly terrorist attack in Anantnag district that left three civilians and two police officers dead. The closure comes amid a broader security overhaul in the region aimed at safeguarding tourists and restoring public confidence.
Popular spots such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and several areas around Dal Lake are either restricted or operating under heavy surveillance. Tour operators and hoteliers are reporting mass cancellations and panic among travelers.
According to a senior police official, “We are conducting a thorough security review of all major tourist areas. Until the situation stabilizes, only areas deemed completely safe will remain accessible to the public.”
The sudden clampdown is a blow to the state’s economy, which heavily depends on tourism. With summer just beginning and hotels nearly 80% booked before the attack, the timing could not have been worse.
Union Home Ministry sources have confirmed that additional security forces are being deployed and that a new set of guidelines for tour operators will soon be released.
