SRINAGAR, June 15: Tourists were seen flocking to Pahalgam in Anantnag district, a day after authorities announced the reopening of several tourist destinations that had been closed following the April 22 terror attack that killed 25 tourists and a local pony operator.
On Saturday, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha announced that 16 tourist destinations across the Union Territory have been reopened to the public. These sites were among 48-mostly located in the upper mountain reaches-that were shut for a security review after the deadly attack. The LG also stated that the remaining locations would be reopened in a phased manner.
Although the official reopening takes effect on June 17, tourists have already started arriving in Pahalgam to escape the summer heat and enjoy the Valley’s scenic beauty. “I feel really good. This is very good news that the parks have reopened. The atmosphere is peaceful. Everyone should come here to send a strong message that we are not scared. Leave the summer heat behind and come to the mountains,” a tourist from Delhi, said.
A family from New Delhi echoed similar sentiments. “We are enjoying it a lot. Whatever happened is the past. Everyone should come and experience the beauty and peace of this place,” they said.
Mohammad Raza, another tourist, added, “There is no issue here. We felt safe and had a wonderful time.”
Locals also welcomed the decision, saying the return of tourists brings hope for economic revival. “It’s a beautiful place, and we’re happy to be back. The locals stand with the tourists and will act as a shield for them,” a resident said.
Hotel and restaurant owners, as well as pony operators, expressed joy as business began to pick up after months of stagnation. “I had tears in my eyes. I never imagined seeing tourists in such numbers again. It’s a joyful sight. I cannot express how happy I am,” a restaurant owner said.
He added that the reopening of tourist destinations and the return of visitors is a crucial step towards restoring normalcy in the region’s tourism sector, which took a major hit after the attack.
