Kashmir’s tourism cannot be promoted while key destinations remain closed, and reopening them is crucial for restoring confidence, livelihoods, and the region’s global appeal.
Kashmir has long been celebrated as a tourist paradise, a place where verdant valleys, snow-clad peaks, and pristine lakes have drawn travellers from across the world. Historically, even during the most turbulent years of militancy in the 1990s, the Valley’s iconic destinations remained open. People fled to these spots precisely to escape conflict and tension, seeking solace in the very landscapes that now define Kashmir’s global allure. Yet, the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, has seen an unprecedented closure of tourist sites, 48 in total, with dozens still inaccessible six months later.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has repeatedly voiced concern over this “bizarre” situation, noting that while the government invests in promoting tourism, significant areas such as Betaab and Aru valleys, Doodhpathri, Aharbal, half of Gulmarg, and Drung in Tangmarg remain off-limits. He rightly points out the contradiction: “Closure of destinations and tourism promotion cannot run together.” While the Central government continues to project an image of normalcy, the reality on the ground tells a different story, undermining both confidence and credibility.
The selective reopening of 16 destinations in June, eight each in Jammu and Kashmir, was a welcome step, but it only underscores the larger issue. The livelihoods of those dependent on tourism continue to suffer, and calls for compensating affected stakeholders are growing louder. Beyond economic consequences, these closures risk creating a perception of deliberate disruption. In a place where even in the worst times tourism flourished, the current approach appears counterproductive, threatening years of painstaking efforts to rebuild the sector.
Security concerns are legitimate, but they must be balanced against the imperative of keeping Kashmir accessible. Omar’s appeal to Home Minister Amit Shah to facilitate the reopening of closed destinations is timely and necessary. Gradual, audited reopening of sites can reassure both domestic and international tourists, restoring confidence and sustaining the region’s vital tourism economy.
Kashmir cannot remain a paradox: promoting tourism in word while restricting it in practice. The Valley’s allure is not just in its scenic beauty but also in its accessibility. Reopening these destinations is not merely a policy decision; it is a statement that Kashmir’s resilience and hospitality endure, even in the face of adversity. It is time to align rhetoric with reality and ensure that the doors of this iconic region remain open to those who seek its splendour.
