J&K LG Manoj Sinha (File photo)
After a thorough security review and discussion, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha on Monday ordered the reopening of 14 tourist spots that were closed in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack 10 months ago.Eleven of the 14 tourists to be opened immediately are in Kashmir Valley — Yousmarg, Doodhpathri and Dandipora Park in Anantnag; Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Padpawan in Shopian; Astanpora and Tulip Garden in Srinagar; Thajwas Glacier and Hung Park in Ganderbal; and Wullar/Watlab in Baramulla. The remaining three are in Jammu division — Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Mangat in Ramban and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar.The LG’s office further said that three sites in Kashmir division — Gurez, Athwatoo and Bangus — and one site in Jammu — Ramkund in Ramban — would be reopened once the snow is cleared.Following the April 22, 2025 massacre of 25 tourists and a local pony guide by terrorists at the Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, the authorities had temporarily closed 48 tourist destinations across J&K for a security audit.While 12 sites were reopened for the public in Sept last year, chief minister Omar Abdullah told the J&K assembly on Feb 5 that the time had come to reopen all the tourist destinations, and his govt was in touch with the Centre in this regard.Tourism industry stakeholders in the UT had been demanding the reopening of all destinations, stressing that it was necessary to restore tourist confidence and revive the sector.
