Citing security, govt shuts 49 tourist sites in Valley

A WEEK AFTER terrorists gunned down 26 people at Baisaran valley in Pahalgam, the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to shut 49 tourist destinations and trekking trails in the Valley, citing security reasons.

- BASHAARAT MASOOD & DEEPTIMAN TIWARY

The destinations that have been shut down for not having "adequate" security presence include famous resorts like the Gurez valley, Dodapathri, Verinag, Bangus valley and Yusmarg.

Officials said the government decided to close these destinations for the "safety of tourists," while those that have adequate security will remain open.

Despite repeated attempts, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Secretary Yasha Mudgal was not available for comment.

Gurez, one of the closed destinations, is a valley on the Line of Control in Bandipora district that has become a hit with tourists over the last decade. Dodapathri, a meadow just 45 km away from Srinagar city, has also been shut, as has the Kaman post in Uri on the LoC, a favourite among picnickers.

The government has also decided to close Kousarnag, a high-altitude lake and trekking trail in south Kashmir's Shopian, for tourists.