Shut since Pahalgam attack, 12 tourist spots in J&K to reopen from September 29

Twelve tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir, that were shut after the Pahalgam attack in April this year due to security concerns, will be opened for tourists from Monday.

During the meeting of Unified Headquarters (UHQ) at Srinagar, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha ordered re-opening of seven tourist spots in Kashmir division, including Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, Kaman Post and five in Jammu division, including Dagan Top, Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Shiv Cave in Salal, Reasi from September 29.

As many as 26 people were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, after which many tourist destinations were shut for security audit. Some destinations were opened earlier.

Sinha in a statement said, “After a thorough security review and discussion in today’s UHQ meeting, I’ve ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures.”

The meeting was held at Raj Bhawan to review the current security scenario in J&K. It was attended by Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, GoC 15 Corps Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, GoC 16 Corps Lt Gen PK Mishra, GoC 9 Corps Lt Gen Rajan Sharawat, Air Vice Marshal Vikas Sharma among other senior officials.

The L-G appreciated the security forces, J&K police and Intelligence agencies for the recent successful anti-terror operations in the UT.

“War against terrorism is not over yet. Kinetic and non-kinetic operations must continue. We must maintain the momentum and take stringent action against terrorism and its entire ecosystem,” LG told the officers.

He directed the security apparatus for continuous improvement and to proactively adapt to evolving threats. He called for “whole of government approach” for effectively tackling radicalisation and drug menace in J&K.