Fri Dec 26 23:35:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, 48 tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir were closed, severely impacting the local economy that heavily relies on tourism. While some sites have reopened, popular destinations like Doodhpathri remain closed, pending a security audit. This closure has devastated families who depend on tourism-related income, reversing recent economic progress, especially for women who had gained financial independence through tourism. Local businesses are struggling with loan repayments, and the overall tourism sector has experienced a significant decline compared to the previous year. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticizes the closures, arguing they harm local stakeholders and send a negative message.

News Article:

Kashmir Tourism Reels After Terror Attack; Closures Devastate Local Economies

Srinagar, December 27, 2025 – The tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir is facing a major crisis following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April that prompted the closure of 48 destinations. While some sites have reopened, popular areas like Doodhpathri remain off-limits, pending a security audit.

The continued closures have had a devastating impact on local economies. Doodhpathri, which saw a record 1.8 million visitors in 2024, experienced a sharp drop to just 125,000 tourists in the first four months of 2025, before the attack. This has crippled the livelihoods of thousands who rely on tourism-related income.

“We don’t understand why Doodhpathri is closed, while Pahalgam is open. It seems like we are being punished for somebody else’s sins,” one local said.

The closures have particularly affected women, who have made significant strides in financial independence in recent years by opening tea stalls and engaging in other tourism-related businesses. Now, many are struggling to repay loans and facing economic hardship.

Bashir Ahmad, who invested in an all-terrain vehicle, said, “This growing economic distress will force us to sell our land to repay the loan.”

Figures released by the Tourism Department show a significant decline in tourist arrivals this year, impacting itineraries and length of stay for visitors. The situation has also led to staff retrenchment in the hotel industry.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticized the Lieutenant Governor’s administration for the prolonged closures, arguing that they send the wrong message and harm local stakeholders. He emphasized that even during the peak of militancy, such drastic measures were not taken.

As winter sets in, the future remains uncertain for many families in Jammu and Kashmir, whose hopes for economic prosperity hinged on a thriving tourism sector.

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