48 Resorts, Tourist Sites Shut in Jammu & Kashmir Days After Deadly Pahalgam Attack

Srinagar – In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, the Jammu and Kashmir government has shut down 48 resorts and over half of the region’s tourist destinations, dealing a major blow to the local tourism industry.

Once bustling with visitors, scenic towns like Pahalgam now wear a deserted look as frightened tourists flee and new bookings are cancelled en masse. Key tourist sites such as Doodhpatri in Budgam and Verinag in Anantnag have been declared off-limits to visitors as a precautionary measure.

Tourism, a vital economic lifeline for the Union Territory, has come to a near standstill. Locals, many of whom depend heavily on tourism for their livelihoods, are grappling with the financial and emotional fallout of the attack. Protests have erupted across the region, with residents condemning the violence and expressing solidarity with the victims.

“This isn’t just about tourism — it’s about life, dignity, and peace,” said one protester in Anantnag. Demonstrations have been reported from Kathua to Kupwara, with citizens carrying placards that read “Not in my name.”

In a rare and impassioned speech during a special assembly session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their spontaneous and widespread rejection of terrorism. “This is the first time in over two decades that such a collective voice has risen against terror,” he said. “And I will not use this tragedy for political mileage — my politics is not cheap.”

The Pahalgam massacre, which also claimed the life of a Nepali national, has drawn strong condemnation nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed stern retribution, declaring that Indian forces will “pursue the terrorists and their backers to the ends of the earth.”

The abrupt clampdown on tourism has cast a long shadow on what is typically the beginning of peak season in Kashmir’s famed valleys. Whether this move will be a temporary measure or mark the start of long-term security restrictions remains to be seen.