After the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, that resulted in the death of 26, Jammu and Kashmir officials have shut down 48 resorts and tourist destinations as a precautionary measure to ensure security for tourists and locals. The terrorist attack on tourists at the tourist destination Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam has affected the tourism industry in the area, and therefore the government decided to impose stringent security measures.
The closures follow heightened security following the deadliest terror strike in Kashmir since the Mumbai attacks of 2008. Major resorts and major tourist destinations in and around Pahalgam and other places in Jammu and Kashmir, which are heavily visited by tourists, are the areas affected. The move is made to prevent any other attack and enable security personnel to conduct proper checks and enhance surveillance at these places.
Tourism was gradually gaining momentum in Kashmir, and Pahalgam was a favorite among domestic as well as international tourists.
But the militant assault, initiated by the men carrying AK-47s and M4 carbines, shook off the illusion of security. The survivors described how men were being segregated on religious lines before being killed, and how it generated overall fear and panic.
The government closing down such tourist spots and resorts is a tight rope walk since security operations continually de-activate terror threats. Official travel and visits to sensitive locations are also being re-reviewed, with routes suspended temporarily.
This shut-down has financial implications on the communities in the region that survive on tourism, but authorities keep public security as the priority. Security personnel have increased patrols, added more surveillance, and are coordinating intelligence operations to prevent a repeat.
The closures are among the tighter measures following the attack, such as diplomatic pressure on Pakistan and increased counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with officials balancing normalizing the situation against continuing to have firm security for tourists and locals alike.
