SRINAGAR: The administration in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday declared that 48 locations across the Valley have been restricted for visitor access. This measure follows the chilling terrorist attack on holidaymakers in the Baisaran grasslands, located near Pahalgam township.
In a horrifying incident that stunned the nation, a group of 25 travellers—among them one from Nepal and a local resident—were murdered in cold blood by terrorists. The attackers deliberately targeted Hindu tourists based on their faith.
Of the 87 known scenic spots in Kashmir, 48 have now been barred to the public, sparking concern and sadness among tourism stakeholders and locals alike. The aftermath of the Pahalgam killings has led to a sharp fall in tourist inflow, particularly at Srinagar airport, which has seen a marked dip in arrivals.
The areas now sealed off include: Yousmarg, Tousmaidan, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Bangus, Kariwan Diver Chandigam, Bangus Valley, Wular/Watlab, Rampora, Rajpora, Chearhar, Mundij-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall, Khampoo, Bosnia, Vijitop, the Sun Temple, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margantop, Akad Park, Habba Khatoon Point, Babareshi, Ringawali, Gogaldara, Baderkote, Shrunz Waterfall, Kamanpost, Namblan Waterfall, Eco Park Khadniyar, Sangarwani, Jamia Masjid, Badamwari, Rajori Kadal, Aali Kadal, Padshapal Resorts, Faqir Gujri, Dara, Astanmarg View Point, Astanmarg Paragliding Site, Mamneth, Mahadev Hills, the Buddhist Monastery, the upper reaches of Dachigam near the trout farm, Astanpora—particularly Qayam Gah, Lachpatri, Hung Park, and Naranag.
Officials emphasized that several of these places are temporarily closed and that security measures have been bolstered at the remaining open destinations.
The gruesome terrorist attack in Pahalgam have triggered widespread fury across India, with citizens from various regions and religions denouncing the savagery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the nation that the culprits, including those providing them shelter and support, will face a fate beyond their imagination.
In a strong countermeasure, security agencies have demolished ten residences belonging to active terrorists, notably those of Adil Hussain Thoker and Asif Sheikh—suspected orchestrators of the Pahalgam tragedy.
In a rare moment of absolute consensus, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous motion on Monday, rebuking the Pahalgam bloodshed. The motion labeled the act as vile, cruel, soulless, and spineless. It underlined that such horrors are an assault on the soul of Kashmir’s heritage, the Constitution’s ideals, and the nation’s collective pursuit of peace and brotherhood.
The Assembly also conveyed its heartfelt grief and extended its condolences to the bereaved families of those slain in the attack.
