Thu Feb 05 11:39:48 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Jammu and Kashmir Government to Address Tourism Stagnation Following 2025 Terror Attack
The Story:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on February 5, 2026, plans to discuss the reopening of closed tourist destinations with Home Minister Amit Shah during his upcoming visit. This follows the closure of nearly 50 tourist sites after the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed. While some destinations reopened in September 2025, many remain closed, impacting the local economy. The Chief Minister also addressed ongoing efforts to streamline and simplify tourism regulations, acknowledging the need for modernization and transparency.
Key Points:
* Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will discuss reopening closed tourist destinations with Home Minister Amit Shah.
* Nearly 50 tourist destinations were shut down after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack.
* Discussions with the Government of India on reopening tourist destinations are ongoing.
* The Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Trade Rules, framed in 1978, are being revised to simplify registration and renewal processes for tourism units.
* The tourism sector is a major source of employment for local youth, and the government is actively promoting it through events and festivals.
* The government is examining a proposal to notify new tourism destinations in J-K, including locations in Ramban district.
* ₹117.27 lakhs have been allocated for the development of tourism infrastructure in Banihal-Gool Constituency for the financial year 2025-26.
Key Takeaways:
* The Jammu and Kashmir government is under pressure to revive the tourism sector following the devastating terror attack in April 2025.
* Streamlining tourism regulations is a priority to improve ease of doing business and reduce opportunities for corruption.
* The government recognizes the importance of tourism for employment and is actively promoting the sector through various initiatives.
* Security concerns remain a major obstacle to fully reopening tourist destinations.
* Community participation and inclusive tourism development are being encouraged through simplified homestay registration guidelines.
Impact Analysis:
The revival of the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is crucial for the region’s economic recovery and stability. Reopening tourist destinations will not only generate revenue and employment but also help restore normalcy and confidence in the region. The simplification of tourism regulations can attract more investment and entrepreneurship in the sector. However, the long-term success depends on maintaining security and addressing the underlying issues that fuel terrorism. The planned discussions with the Home Minister are critical for securing central government support and resources to achieve these goals. The investment in infrastructure also shows a commitment to long-term growth in the tourism sector.
First Piper 