Jammu and Kashmir Government Shuts Down 48 Tourist Resorts Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

KKN Gurugram Desk | In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken a major decision aimed at safeguarding residents and visitors. Acting on the advice of security agencies, authorities have ordered the closure of 48 resorts and multiple renowned tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley.

This unprecedented move reflects the heightened state of alert in one of India’s most sensitive regions, threatening to derail the fragile economic recovery built over years of relative peace.

Details of the Closure: Which Places Have Been Affected?

According to official sources, major tourism spots such as:

• Doodhpathri

• Verinag

• Dal Lake

• Gulmarg

• Sonamarg

have been subjected to stringent security measures. Many of these have been temporarily shut for public access as part of broader preventive steps.

In total, out of 87 key tourist locations identified by authorities, 48 have been closed following intelligence warnings about possible future attacks.

The closure affects:

• Hotels and guest houses.

• Recreational resorts.

• Tourist reception centers.

• Travel agencies operating in high-risk zones.

Why Was This Decision Taken?

Intelligence inputs indicated that after the Pahalgam attack, several sleeper cells of militant outfits have become active across the Valley. Specific warnings about attacks being plotted by groups such as The Resistance Front (TRF) forced the government to act decisively.

Security agencies believe that militants may attempt further assaults as revenge for counter-terror operations conducted after the Pahalgam incident, including the destruction of militant hideouts.

In particular, tourist hotspots like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Dal Lake were marked as high-risk zones, necessitating the deployment of special anti-fidayeen (suicide attacker) squads and heavy police presence.

Impact on Kashmir’s Tourism and Economy

Tourism is a lifeline for Kashmir’s economy. After years of conflict and disruptions, the sector had begun showing signs of robust recovery:

• Hotel occupancy had increased.

• Fruit and handicraft exports were improving.

• Local businesses were witnessing a revival.

The current closures threaten to:

• Erode tourists’ confidence.

• Disrupt local employment.

• Stall ongoing investment in hospitality and retail sectors.

Potential investors considering new hotels, adventure tourism projects, or agribusiness ventures may now hesitate, affecting long-term economic prospects in the region.

Broader Economic Ramifications: Beyond Tourism

While tourism will suffer immediate losses, ripple effects are expected across multiple sectors:

• Agriculture and horticulture: Reduced demand for Kashmiri fruits and handicrafts.

• Transportation: Local taxis, shikaras (boat rides), and guides losing daily income.

• Real estate: Declining interest in property investments around popular tourist hubs.

The fear factor created by terror activities often triggers an exodus of capital, forcing businesses to shut down temporarily or scale back operations.

Experts estimate that if the security situation does not stabilize soon, Kashmir could face economic setbacks worth hundreds of crores in upcoming tourist seasons.

A New Pattern of Terror Strategy?

Analysts point out that targeting tourism hubs indicates a shift in terror strategy:

• Striking economic symbols rather than just military targets.

• Aiming to create psychological fear among tourists and investors.

• Weakening Kashmir’s path to normalcy by hitting its economic foundations.

Security agencies are now focused on protecting not just civilian lives but also ensuring economic continuity by safeguarding sensitive business areas.

Government’s Response: Measures to Mitigate Risk

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken several steps to handle the crisis:

• Deploying elite counter-terror units in and around vulnerable tourist spots.

• Launching search operations in suspected militant hideouts.

• Enhancing intelligence sharing between state and central agencies.

• Issuing travel advisories for citizens to avoid high-risk zones.

The government is also planning to introduce controlled re-opening strategies once security agencies clear the areas as safe.

Local Sentiments: Fear, Frustration, and Hope

Local communities that depend heavily on tourism are expressing:

• Fear: Concern for personal safety and financial survival.

• Frustration: Anger at militants sabotaging years of peaceful rebuilding.

• Hope: Belief that the government’s swift action will prevent larger disasters.

Shopkeepers, taxi drivers, hotel owners, and fruit sellers all voiced anxiety about their uncertain future but expressed cautious optimism that security forces would restore normalcy.

Lessons from the Past: History of Economic Disruptions

Kashmir has seen similar disruptions before:

• 1990s insurgency: Complete collapse of tourism.

• 2016 Burhan Wani unrest: Severe decline in tourist inflow.

• 2019 Article 370 abrogation: Temporary shutdown of the economy.

Each time, the region faced prolonged recovery periods. Authorities are keen to avoid a repeat by proactive action and quick restoration of law and order.

What’s Next: Future of Tourism in Kashmir

Despite the current closures, tourism experts and local entrepreneurs believe Kashmir’s resilience can turn things around, provided:

• Security improves rapidly.

• Communication campaigns rebuild tourist confidence.

• Investment incentives are offered for entrepreneurs willing to return.

Digital tourism platforms, local travel bloggers, and global tourism councils are also expected to play a role in promoting Kashmir as a safe destination once again.

The closure of 48 resorts and major tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack underscores the fragile nature of peace in conflict-prone regions.

The next few months will be crucial.
Effective security management, clear communication with citizens and investors, and sustained counter-terror operations will determine whether Kashmir’s tourism industry — and with it, its broader economy — can survive this shock and bounce back stronger.