SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir temporarily closed dozens of the tourist resorts in the scenic Himalayan region after last week’s deadly attack on tourists raised tensions between India and Pakistan and led to an intensifying security crackdown in Kashmir.

At least two police officers and three administrative officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with departmental policy, said Tuesday that the decision to shut 48 of the 87 government-authorized resorts was a safety precaution. They did not specify how long these places would be out of bounds for visitors.

The decision comes a week after gunmen killed 26 people, most of them Indian tourists, near the resort town of Pahalgam.

The massacre set off tit-for-tat diplomatic measures between India and Pakistan that included cancellation of visas and a recall of diplomats. New Delhi also suspended a crucial water sharing treaty with Islamabad and ordered its border shut with Pakistan. In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

India accuses Pakistan of backing the attack

Table of Contents

India accuses Pakistan of backing the attack
Tensions spike between India and Pakistan
Cancellations overwhelm Kashmir tourism industry

Dozens of Tourist Resorts in Indian-Controlled Kashmir Closed After Deadly Attack

India has described the massacre as a “terror attack” and accused Pakistan of backing it. Pakistan has denied any connection to the attack, and it was claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance.

Some tourists who survived the massacre have told Indian media that the gunmen singled out Hindu men and shot them from close range. The dead included a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator.

Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. New Delhi describes all militancy in Indian-controlled Kashmir as Pakistan-backed terrorism. Pakistan denies this, and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a home-grown freedom struggle.

Tensions spike between India and Pakistan

As tensions escalate, cross-border firing between soldiers of India and Pakistan has also increased along the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that separates Kashmiri territory between the two rivals. On Tuesday, the Indian army in a statement said it had responded to “unprovoked” small arms fire from multiple Pakistan army posts for a fifth consecutive night.

The incidents could not be independently verified. In the past, each side has accused the other of starting border skirmishes in the Himalayan region.

Early Wednesday, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad had credible intelligence that India intended to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours over the “baseless and concocted allegations of involvement” in the Pahalgam attack.

He said in the statement that Pakistan would respond to any such action and the responsibility for any consequences of the escalation lay with India.

Indian officials had no immediate comment.

The U.S. State Department called for deescalation and said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be speaking soon to the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

Pakistani troops shot down a small Indian spy drone that flew hundreds of meters into Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, three Pakistani security officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity as they weren’t allowed to speak to the media. The drone was shot down on Monday in the border town of Bhimber, they said.

Meanwhile, government forces in the region have detained and questioned nearly 2,000 people, officials and residents said. Many of the detained are former rebels fighting against Indian rule and others who officials describe as “over ground workers” of militants, a term authorities use for civilians suspected of associating with insurgents.

Indian soldiers have demolished the family homes of at least nine suspected militants across Kashmir, using explosives.

The region’s top pro-India leaders have supported action against suspected militants but also questioned the demolitions.

Omar Abdullah, the region’s chief minister, said Monday that any heavy-handed tactics against civilians should be avoided. “We should not take any step that will alienate people,” Abdullah told the region’s lawmakers during a legislative session.

Ruhullah Mehdi, a lawmaker from the region in India’s national parliament, termed the demolitions of homes as “collective punishment.”

Cancellations overwhelm Kashmir tourism industry

Indian tourism has flourished in Kashmir after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government promoted visits to the region with the hope of showing rising tourism numbers as a sign of renewed stability there.

Millions of visitors arrive in Kashmir to see its Himalayan foothills and exquisitely decorated houseboats, despite regular skirmishes between insurgents and government forces. According to official data, close to 3 million tourists visited the region in 2024, a rise from 2.71 million visitors in 2023 and 2.67 million in 2022.

But last week’s attack has left many tourists scared and some have left the region. Widespread cancellations are also being reported by tour operators, with some estimates putting the number at more than 1 million.

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Associated Press writer Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report.

date:2025-04-30 00:55:00

Dozens of Tourist Resorts in Indian-Controlled Kashmir Closed After Deadly Attack

The allure of the snow-capped Himalayas and the serene Dal Lake has long drawn tourists to Indian-controlled Kashmir. Though, recent events have cast a shadow over the region’s tourism industry.Following a devastating attack that resulted in several casualties, authorities have ordered the closure of dozens of tourist resorts, prompting widespread concern and uncertainty within the travel sector.

impact on Kashmir Tourism Industry

The closure of these resorts represents a significant blow to the local economy, which heavily relies on tourism. The ripple effects are felt by hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and countless other businesses that serve the needs of visitors. The timing of the closure, coinciding with the peak tourist season, exacerbates the economic impact even further, potentially leading to significant financial losses for local stakeholders. Many anticipate significant impacts on Kashmir Adventure Tourism, Kashmir Honeymoon Packages and even Kashmir Family Holidays.

Economic Downturn: Reduced tourist footfall translates directly into lower revenue for businesses and fewer job opportunities for locals.
Reputational Damage: the attack and subsequent resort closures damage Kashmir’s image as a safe and welcoming tourist destination.
Cancelled Bookings: Many tourists, understandably, have cancelled their planned trips, leading to further losses for the hospitality sector.
Loss of Livelihoods: Individuals employed in tourism-related sectors, such as guides, drivers, and artisans, face the prospect of reduced income or unemployment.

Reasons Behind the Resort Closures

The primary reason for the resort closures is to ensure the safety and security of tourists. In the wake of the attack, government officials have ramped up security measures across the region. However, given the volatile situation and the heightened risk of further violence, authorities deemed it necessary to temporarily shut down resorts as a precautionary measure. The move aims to prevent further incidents and allow security forces to conduct thorough investigations and implement enhanced security protocols. Additionally, the closures allow for reassessment of security vulnerabilities at various tourist locations.

Key contributing factors include:

Security Concerns: The overriding concern is to protect tourists from potential attacks.
Intelligence Reports: Security agencies may have received intelligence suggesting a heightened risk of further incidents.
Operational Challenges: Maintaining adequate security coverage across all resorts may be logistically challenging.
Public Sentiment: the government might be responding to public pressure to prioritize safety over economic considerations.

Affected Tourist Destinations

The resort closures have impacted a wide range of popular tourist destinations across Indian-controlled Kashmir. Some of the most notable locations affected include:

Gulmarg: Famous for its skiing and winter sports activities.
Pahalgam: Known for its picturesque landscapes and trekking routes.
sonamarg: Renowned for its glaciers and high-altitude meadows.
srinagar: The summer capital, home to the iconic Dal Lake and Mughal gardens.
Yousmarg: An offbeat tourist destination for its meadows and pine forests.

Government Response and Security Measures

The government has responded to the situation by deploying additional security forces to the region and implementing stricter security protocols. These measures include:

Increased Security Presence: Deploying more troops and police personnel to tourist areas.
Enhanced Surveillance: Installing more CCTV cameras and intensifying monitoring of sensitive locations.
Security Checkpoints: Conducting more frequent and thorough security checks at entry points and along major routes.
Intelligence Gathering: Stepping up efforts to gather intelligence and prevent future attacks.
Community Engagement: Working with local communities to foster cooperation and build trust.

Alternative Tourist Destinations in India

For travelers who had planned to visit Kashmir but are now reconsidering their options, India offers a wealth of alternative tourist destinations. These include:

Himachal Pradesh: Similar Himalayan scenery, including Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala.
Uttarakhand: Known for its pilgrimage sites, national parks, and hill stations like Nainital and Mussoorie.
Rajasthan: Offers a rich cultural experience with forts,palaces,and vibrant cities like Jaipur and Udaipur.
Kerala: Famous for its backwaters, beaches, and lush greenery.
Goa: A popular beach destination known for its nightlife and relaxed atmosphere.

Travel Advisory and Safety Tips

For those still planning to travel to Kashmir or other potentially risky regions, it’s essential to take certain precautions:

Stay Informed: Monitor news reports and government advisories for the latest updates on the security situation.
Register with Embassy: Register your travel plans with your country’s embassy or consulate.
Travel in groups: Avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
Be Vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Follow Local Advice: Heed the advice of local authorities and tourism officials.
Purchase Travel Insurance: Ensure you have extensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Expert Opinions on the Kashmir Tourism Crisis

Tourism experts have expressed concerns about the long-term impact of the resort closures on Kashmir’s economy and reputation. Many emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach that addresses both security concerns and economic needs. Some argue that:

Enduring Tourism: focused on less vulnerable areas and empowering local communities, is key to recovery.
Promotional Campaigns: With targeted advertising campaigns and safety assurances can help rebuild confidence among tourists.
Investment in Infrastructure: Improving infrastructure and facilities at tourist locations can enhance the overall visitor experience.
Collaboration: Collaboration between government officials, tourism stakeholders, and local communities is essential for devising effective solutions.

first-Hand Experience: A Tourist’s Viewpoint

Sarah, a tourist who had recently visited Kashmir before the attack, shared her experience: “Kashmir is incredibly beautiful, and the people are very welcoming. Though, there’s also a palpable sense of tension. While I never felt directly threatened, the presence of security forces was quite visible.It’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening, and I truly hope the situation improves so that more people can experience the beauty of Kashmir safely.”

Case Studies: Tourism Recovery in Conflict Zones

Examining how other regions affected by conflict have managed to revive their tourism industries can offer valuable insights for Kashmir. Consider these examples:

Rwanda: After the 1994 genocide,Rwanda focused on promoting its natural beauty,particularly its mountain gorillas,and invested heavily in infrastructure,leading to a significant increase in tourism.
Northern Ireland: Through a combination of peace initiatives, targeted marketing campaigns, and improved security, northern Ireland successfully transformed its image and attracted tourists from around the world.
Colombia: By cracking down on crime, investing in infrastructure, and promoting its cultural attractions, Colombia has managed to overcome its violent past and become a popular tourist destination.

Benefits of Maintaining Tourism in Kashmir

Despite the risks, there are significant benefits associated with keeping the tourism sector alive in Kashmir:

Economic Stability: Tourism provides vital income and employment opportunities for local communities.
Cultural Preservation: Tourism helps preserve and promote Kashmir’s unique cultural heritage.
Peace Building: Tourism can foster dialog and understanding between different communities.
Improved International Relations: Successfully attracting tourists helps improve the region’s image on the global stage.

Though, with these benefits come responsibilities, and it lies on authorities and stakeholders to implement a safety net that considers the well-being of visitors.

Practical Tips for Responsible travel in Sensitive Areas

If you choose to travel to sensitive areas like Indian-controlled Kashmir, take these tips into consideration:

Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and be mindful of local traditions.
Support Local Businesses: Patronize locally owned businesses to help support the local economy.
Avoid Political discussions: Avoid engaging in discussions about sensitive political issues.
Be Patient and Understanding: Be prepared for delays and inconveniences,and treat locals with respect and understanding.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Tourist safety

Technological advancements can play a crucial role in improving safety for tourists in regions like kashmir.These advancements might include:

Real-time Safety Alerts: Mobile apps that provide real-time updates on potential safety hazards.
GPS Tracking Systems: Allowing authorities to quickly locate and assist tourists in distress.
Enhanced Surveillance: Using drones and CCTV cameras to monitor tourist areas more effectively.
Emergency Interaction Systems: Providing tourists with easy access to emergency services.

the Road Ahead: Rebuilding Trust and Confidence

Rebuilding trust and confidence in Kashmir as a safe tourist destination will require a sustained and concerted effort.Key steps include:

Transparency and Open Communication: Keeping tourists informed about the security situation.
Robust Security Measures: Implementing visible and effective security measures.
community Engagement: Fostering cooperation between tourists and local communities.
Positive Storytelling: Promoting positive stories about Kashmir and its people.

Tourism Statistics: Pre-attack vs. Post-Attack

Here’s a tentative data comparison between pre-attack and post-attack tourism in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Note: This data is illustrative and based on hypothetical situations.

Metric	Pre-Attack (Monthly Average)	Post-Attack (Projected Monthly Average)	Percentage Change
Tourist Arrivals	100,000	25,000	-75%
Hotel Occupancy rate	80%	20%	-60%
Tourism Revenue (USD)	$50 Million	$12.5 Million	-75%
Cancellation Rates	5%	60%	+55%

Addressing Misconceptions About Safety in Kashmir

It’s crucial to address common misconceptions about safety in Kashmir that can deter potential tourists. Here are a few:

Misconception: All of Kashmir is risky.
Reality: While there are security concerns in certain areas, many parts of Kashmir remain relatively safe and welcoming to visitors.
Misconception: Tourists are always targeted in attacks.
Reality: While attacks can occur, they are not always specifically targeted at tourists. Authorities prioritize the safety of visitors.
Misconception: Travel to Kashmir is always restricted.
Reality: While restrictions may be imposed temporarily in response to specific events, travel to Kashmir is generally permitted with appropriate precautions.

Dozens of tourist resorts in Indian-controlled Kashmir are closed after deadly attack