Anantnag: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has officially reopened 12 prominent tourist destinations in the Anantnag district, months after they were shut down due to security concerns following the April 22 terror attack in the Pahalgam region.
The decision to allow tourists back into these areas comes after a comprehensive security reassessment by local authorities and security agencies, who deemed the locations safe for public access.
April’s Tragic Incident
The closures were imposed in the aftermath of the Baisaran attack, where 26 people, including several tourists, were gunned down by heavily armed militants in one of the deadliest strikes in the Valley in recent years. The incident sent shockwaves through the tourism industry and prompted an immediate suspension of tourist movement to nearly 50 sites across South Kashmir, particularly in and around Pahalgam.
The attack led to heightened security operations across the region, with surveillance, troop deployment, and intelligence-gathering efforts intensified to ensure no further civilian targets.
Tourism Revival on the Horizon
The reopening marks a cautiously optimistic step toward reviving tourism in the region, which had taken a sharp hit after the attack. Hoteliers, local guides, and small businesses that rely on tourist footfall welcomed the move, though many emphasized the importance of sustained security.
Remaining Areas Still Under Restrictions
Despite this positive development, many tourist sites remain off-limits as investigations into the April incident continue and intelligence inputs suggest potential threats in certain pockets.
Officials confirmed that reopening of additional locations would be considered in phased stages, subject to ongoing security evaluations.
