48 Tourist Spots Closed in Kashmir Amid Fresh Terror Threats: Officials
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have closed 48 tourist destinations after intelligence inputs warned of possible terror attacks following the deadly Pahalgam strike.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday closed 48 out of 87 tourist destinations across the valley after intelligence agencies warned of imminent terror threats, days after the deadly attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead.
Officials said communication intercepts indicated that sleeper cells had been activated in the region, with instructions to carry out targeted killings and larger attacks in retaliation for the destruction of terrorist hideouts.
Sources in the security establishment confirmed that continuous intelligence reports suggested the possibility of fresh attacks aimed at tourists and sensitive locations.
“Inputs indicate a heightened risk at major tourist hubs. Anti-fidayeen squads have been deployed at critical sites like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Dal Lake,” a senior Jammu and Kashmir Police officer told The Headliner, requesting anonymity.
Additional forces, including units from the Special Operations Group (SOG), have been stationed at vulnerable areas to ensure rapid response capabilities.
On April 22, a group of Pakistan-based terrorists opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians, most of them visitors. The gruesome attack triggered panic and a mass exodus of tourists from Kashmir.
Officials said the situation had begun to stabilize when fresh intelligence prompted the current wave of closures. “We cannot afford to take any chances. Tourist safety is paramount,” an official from the Tourism Department said.
Security agencies have intensified anti-terror operations statewide, launching coordinated raids, detaining hundreds of suspects, and destroying properties linked to active militants.
“A full-fledged search operation is ongoing. We are committed to rooting out terror networks active in the region,” said a top army official involved in the crackdown.
Meanwhile, restrictions on the movement of tourists have been reinforced, with advisories issued against travel to several parts of the Kashmir valley until further notice.
The Pahalgam attack marked one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in Kashmir in recent years and came at a time when the tourism sector was showing signs of recovery. Officials had earlier recorded a 20% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year.
The attack — involving both Pakistani and local terrorists — prompted immediate security revisions and aggressive counter-terror operations.
With intelligence inputs indicating persistent threats, security agencies have reiterated calls for heightened vigilance. The Tourism Department has updated travel advisories, urging travelers to stay informed and cooperate with security personnel.
