Pahalgam Attack Closure Devastates Kashmir Tourism Economy: Omar Abdullah

The prolonged closure of prominent tourist destinations in central Kashmir, including Doodhpathri, Tosamaidan, and Yousmarg, has significantly impacted the local economy and affected the livelihoods of tourism stakeholders, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. The closures have persisted for around nine months following last year’s terror attack in Pahalgam.

The April 22, 2025, attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local ponywala, prompted Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to order the shutdown of 48 out of 87 tourist spots in the Valley for security audits. While several destinations have reopened as conditions improved, Doodhpathri, Tosamaidan, and Yousmarg remain closed due to ongoing security concerns.

CM Omar Abdullah acknowledged the economic strain caused by the closures, particularly on ATV operators, vehicle owners, ponywalas, stall owners, guides, and other tourism-dependent workers. He noted that many local youth, who had taken loans to run tourism-related businesses, are experiencing financial distress as a result of the prolonged shutdown.

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The Chief Minister clarified that the decision to reopen these destinations is beyond the Tourism Department’s mandate and is tied to security considerations. He, however, indicated that discussions with the central government are ongoing, and expressed optimism about reopening the resorts soon. “The time has come to reopen the closed tourist destinations,” he said.

Tourism stakeholders have been pressing for the reopening of all previously closed spots in order to restore visitor confidence and send a clear message that Kashmir is safe for tourists. The region has seen spells of snowfall in recent weeks, boosting winter tourism, which stakeholders hope will support a broader revival of the Valley’s tourism sector post-Pahalgam attack.

CM Abdullah also highlighted that coordination with the Home Ministry and local authorities is ongoing to ensure a balanced approach that prioritizes both security and the economic revival of the tourism-dependent communities in Kashmir.

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