J&K Reopens 16 Tourist Places Closed After Pahalgam Attack

Eight spots each from Jammu and Kashmir regions reopened; LG had announced phased reopening of remaining places

- HT Correspondent

SRINAGAR: The J&K government opened eight tourist places in Kashmir and eight in Jammu, including two in Pahalgam, which witnessed a good rush on the first day.

Last week, J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha had announced the opening of 16 tourist places in J&K after a security review assessment.

Soon after the targeted killing of 26 tourists and a local pony-wallah in Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22, the government had announced the closure of 50 tourist places across J&K due to security issues. However, J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said that other places will also be opened in a phased manner after security assessment.

Among the places thrown open on Tuesday were two places in Pahalgam, Betaab Valley, and local parks. On the first day, many tourists visited Betaab Valley, and local tour operators and vendors welcomed them and also gave them gifts. "For us, it is a great day that tourists have started returning to this place, which is a well-known place in the vicinity of Pahalgam. We presented gifts to tourists as they came here," said Irshad Ahmad, a local vendor.

The eight destinations that opened on Tuesday include Betaab Valley, parks near Pahalgam market, Verinag, Kokernag, and Achabal gardens in Anantnag district, and Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen, and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal in Srinagar district. Sarthal and Dhaggar in Kathua, Devipindi, Siyad Baba and Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai Valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur, all in the Jammu region.