In the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has announced the reopening of 12 tourist destinations across the Union Territory. This decision, made on Friday, September 26, 2025, follows a high-level Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting in Srinagar, where a thorough security review and discussion took place. The reopening is scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025.
The decision to reopen these tourist spots aims to restore confidence among tourists and revitalize the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir, which had been significantly impacted by the recent attack. Authorities have assured that stringent security protocols will be in place at the reopened sites to ensure the safety and security of visitors.
The 12 tourist destinations cleared for reopening include seven sites in the Kashmir Division and five in the Jammu Division.
The tourist spots reopening in the Kashmir Division are: * Aru Valley * Rafting Point Yanner * Akkad Park * Padshahi Park (Bijbehara) * Dara Shikoh Garden (Anantnag district) * Kaman Post (Uri) * Eco Park Khadniyar (Baramulla district)
The tourist spots reopening in the Jammu Division are: * Dagan Top (Ramban) * Dhaggar (Kathua) * Shiv Cave (Salal, Reasi) * Chinkah (Reasi) * Padri (Doda)
The April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, where terrorists targeted tourists in the Baisaran valley, led to the initial closure of 48 tourist destinations across the Union Territory as a precautionary measure. Following the attack, the government has adopted a phased reopening strategy, with the current announcement marking the second phase of easing restrictions. In June 2025, the LG had ordered the reopening of 16 destinations, eight each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions, after a preliminary security assessment. However, 20 sites still remain closed.
LG Manoj Sinha emphasized that the "war against terrorism is not over yet" and directed security forces to remain on high alert to deal with evolving challenges. He stressed the importance of continuing kinetic and non-kinetic operations and taking stringent action against terrorism and its entire ecosystem. Sinha also called for a "whole of government approach" to effectively tackle radicalization and the drug menace.
In connection with the Pahalgam attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been actively investigating and making arrests. Recently, a man was arrested in Kulgam for allegedly providing logistical support to the terrorists involved in the attack. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also previously arrested two men for harboring the terrorists.
