The Jammu and Kashmir government has shut down dozens of resorts and more than half of the tourist destinations across the Union Territory, people in the know told NDTV. The preventive measure follows security concerns raised days after a terror attack at Pahalgam left 26 civilians dead.
At least 48 resorts have been closed in the region, as per the report. Several popular tourist spots, including Doodhpatri in Budgam and Verinag in Anantnag, have also been declared out of bounds for visitors.
The decision comes at a time of growing uncertainty over Kashmir tourism, a key source of income for locals. Fearing for their safety after the massacre, tourists have been fleeing the Union Territory, while many have cancelled their upcoming trips.
Locals worry that the sharp fall in tourist arrivals will severely impact their livelihoods, with the town still reeling from the shock of last week's attack. Residents have staged protests condemning the terror strike and expressing solidarity with the victims.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for decisive action against terrorism, stating that the people of Kashmir have united in rejecting the murder of innocents and warning against any misplaced actions that might alienate them.
Speaking at a special assembly session yesterday, Abdullah said it was the first time in over two decades that people across Jammu and Kashmir had taken to the streets in such large numbers to protest against a terror attack.
"From Kathua to Kupwara, there is no town or village where people did not protest against this. They said, 'Not in my name.' And this is spontaneous," he said, adding that he had no words to apologise to the victims.
Abdullah also made it clear that he would not use the tragedy to press for statehood, saying his politics was not "cheap".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also vowed to punish the terrorists and their backers, declaring that Indian forces would pursue them to the ends of the earth.
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