A Call to Reopen Kashmir’s Heart
By: Javid Amin | 18 September 2025
In a sharp intervention on Kashmir’s tourism policy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called on the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to immediately reopen tourist destinations that have remained closed since the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
“Either stop promoting tourism altogether, or compensate those who’ve suffered losses,” Abdullah said while addressing a gathering of tourism stakeholders in Gulmarg.
Destinations Still Under Lockdown
Despite five months passing since the attack, many iconic spots remain off-limits:
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Drang
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Doodhpathri
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Yusmarg
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Tosa Maidan
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Aaru
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Betab Valley
These closures have stripped the Valley of some of its most sought-after attractions, creating frustration among locals and confusion for visitors who continue to see glossy tourism campaigns but encounter restricted access on the ground.
Tourism vs Security: A Delicate Balance
The LG administration has maintained that the restrictions stem from security concerns and ongoing investigations. However, Omar Abdullah argued that blanket bans are counterproductive, calling for targeted, intelligent security measures instead.
“Tourists cannot be kept away forever. If the government believes Kashmir is safe enough to be promoted worldwide, it should also be open for business at home,” Abdullah emphasized.
He also criticized tourism stakeholders for not backing his own controversial Paris outreach visit, which aimed to draw international tourists after the April crisis.
Economic Fallout
The continued closures have triggered a severe economic ripple effect:
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Hoteliers report near-zero bookings in restricted areas.
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Transporters & tour operators say cancellations are eating into peak-season earnings.
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Local artisans, ponywalas, and shopkeepers dependent on footfall have been left without income.
A hotel owner in Yusmarg summed it up:
“We are ready to host. The Valley is ready to heal. But the gates must open.”
The Image Problem
Kashmir’s tourism slogan of being a “paradise on earth” risks losing credibility if promotional campaigns clash with reality on the ground. Travel influencers, operators, and even airlines have expressed concerns that international tourists may see the mixed signals as a trust issue.
Analysts warn that if restrictions persist through winter, the Valley may lose not only seasonal revenue but also long-term confidence among domestic and foreign travelers.
The Road Ahead
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Policy Reset Needed: Experts argue for a review mechanism where closures are temporary, reviewed fortnightly, and lifted in phases.
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Compensation Package: Omar Abdullah’s call for direct relief to affected families and businesses is gaining traction among industry bodies.
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Stakeholder Unity: Tourism leaders are being urged to speak with one voice to press the administration for quicker decisions.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam attack of April 2025 was a tragedy that shook Kashmir. But as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warns, keeping the Valley’s jewels locked away indefinitely risks compounding the tragedy with an economic and reputational crisis.
Kashmir is ready to welcome. The question remains: when will the gates open?
