SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday announced the reopening of 12 tourist destinations across the Union Territory that had been shut down following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The announcement came after a high-level security review held at Raj Bhavan, Srinagar.
Chairing the Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting, LG Sinha emphasized that while progress has been made, the “war against terrorism is not over.” He instructed security forces to stay on high alert and maintain operational pressure. “Both kinetic and non-kinetic operations must continue. The fight against terrorism and its ecosystem requires relentless effort and strong action,” he told top security and administrative officials.
The meeting also addressed the broader security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as recent unrest in Ladakh. Key attendees included Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Air Vice Marshal Vikas Sharma, several corps commanders, J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and senior police and intelligence officials.
Lauding the efforts of the security forces, J&K Police, and intelligence agencies, Sinha praised their “successful anti-terror operations” and called for continued vigilance and adaptability in dealing with emerging threats. He also urged a “whole-of-government approach” to counter radicalisation and tackle the growing drug menace.
Following the review, the LG announced that 12 out of the 48 tourist and religious sites closed after the Pahalgam attack—where 25 tourists and a local resident were killed—will reopen from Monday, September 29.
Reopening Destinations:
- Kashmir (7): Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Dara Shikoh Garden, and Padshahi Park (Anantnag), Kaman Post (Uri), Eco Park Khadniyar (Baramulla)
- Jammu (5): Dagan Top (Ramban), Dhaggar (Kathua), Chinkah and Shiv Cave (Reasi), and Padri (Doda)
The reopening follows sustained calls by former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, who have both urged the administration to restore access to key tourist destinations to support local livelihoods and revive tourism.
