In a major security crackdown, Indian authorities have closed more than half of the tourist destinations in Kashmir following a brutal militant attack that left 26 people dead in the scenic Pahalgam region. The closures, revealed in a government order reviewed by Reuters, took effect Tuesday and are aimed at preventing further violence during the peak summer tourism season.
The shocking attack last week saw gunmen separate male and female tourists before opening fire at close range, reportedly targeting Hindus. Survivors described scenes of terror as attackers demanded names before shooting. Two of the three assailants were identified by Indian officials as Pakistani nationals linked to cross-border terrorism. Pakistan, however, denies any involvement, calling instead for an independent investigation.
Kashmir—a region claimed by both India and Pakistan—has long been a hotspot of insurgency, but recent years had seen a surge in tourism, thanks to improved security. The closure of 48 out of 87 tourist spots threatens to derail the region’s fragile economic recovery, especially as tourists are now rushing to leave the area amid safety concerns.
Adding to the tension, India and Pakistan have taken tit-for-tat diplomatic and military actions in the days following the attack. India suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, while Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian airlines. The two nuclear-armed neighbors have also exchanged heavy gunfire across the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border that splits the Himalayan territory.
In a government document seen by Reuters, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir ordered the closures without specifying how long they would last. Security has been stepped up at the remaining open locations, but no official comment has been made on when normal tourism operations might resume.
Despite the region’s natural beauty—with its snow-capped peaks, flower-filled gardens, and tranquil lakes—Kashmir’s reputation as a peaceful holiday destination has been shaken once again. The recent violence has not only alarmed travelers but also cast a shadow over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to revive tourism in the conflict-prone region.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed on Monday that India might be planning a military incursion. He said Pakistani forces had been put on high alert in anticipation of potential escalation.
As the situation continues to unfold, the fate of Kashmir’s tourism sector hangs in the balance—trapped between geopolitical tensions and the desire for peace in one of the world’s most disputed regions.
