Srinagar: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday announced the shutdown of 54 tourist spots as part of a region-wide security clampdown. However, several major destinations remain open under tight security.
An official circular outlines a district-wise shutdown, while select sites are guarded by CAPF, CRPF, and QRT teams. In Bandipora, Gurez Valley is closed at Sumbal, while Athwatoo and Wullar Vantage Park stay open with CRPF protection. Budgam’s Tousimaidan and Doodpathri are blocked, but Shopian’s Pir Ki Gali is operational with strong deployment.
Baramulla’s Gulmarg functions under a six-point grid, while nearby sites like Habba Khatoon remain shut. In Srinagar, areas like Boulevard Road and Mughal Gardens are open with security, while Harwan resorts and Dachigam’s trout farm are closed. Kokernag Garden in Anantnag is active with tourist police, but Verinag remains shut. Sonamarg, Aharbal, and Thajwas Glacier are accessible with joint forces on patrol. A senior officer said the closures focus on areas prone to ambushes, balancing tourism with safety.
Authorities say measures are reviewed daily, and tourists are urged to check official updates before travel. The Army, meanwhile, on Tuesday, said that the Pakistan Army continued to initiate unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara, Baramulla, and Akhnoor sectors.
"During the night of 28-29 April 2025, the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara and Baramulla districts, as well as the Akhnoor sector. The Indian Army responded in a measured and effective manner to the provocation," the Army said.
Tuesday was the sixth day that the Pakistan Army has been continuously violating the ceasefire along the LoC. Wular and Gurez valleys are also off limits. According to reports, non-local tourists will not be allowed to visit the Gurez valley. Local residents said that their livelihood depends on Tourism.
"We did not have any government jobs, we earned our livelihood with tourism. If it declines, we will be affected." Abdul Hamza, a local resident associated with the tourism industry who set up a hotel after the ceasefire agreement with hopes of peace, says locals now fear both loss of economy and livelihood if ceasefire violations continue. He also said that authorities have restricted movement for even national tourists. "From local guides, hoteliers to local drivers, 80% of people are associated with the tourism industry in Gurez.”
