Phased reopening of J&K tourism spots a welcome move

THE phased reopening of tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir is an unmistakable sign that normalcy is returning to the Union Territory almost two months after the Pahalgam shocker. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has said that the decision was taken after security assessments by the divisional commissioners and senior police officers. The all-important questions is: Will this all-clear given by the authorities be enough to encourage tourists to visit Kashmir? Their safety is of paramount importance, and there is no room for any laxity. It’s vital to make visitors feel at ease as the horrifying massacre is still fresh in people’s minds. All stakeholders — security forces, tour operators, hoteliers, local guides — must work in close coordination.

The Central Government is banking on big-ticket development projects to revive tourism in Kashmir and boost footfall. The inauguration of the railway bridge over the Chenab river and the launch of two Vande Bharat trains by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are key steps in this direction. The message to Pakistan is loud and clear: Its attempt to destabilise India by orchestrating a terror attack has come to naught.

At the micro level, there is a dire need to dispel the notion that some Kashmiris are in league with terrorists. This misconception should have been nipped in the bud, seeing how Valley residents expressed solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam tragedy and staged protests against the attack that hit their livelihood. It’s laudable that the UT administration has given a government job to the widow of Adil Shah, the brave ponywala who confronted the terrorists. Shah’s sacrifice, saluted by PM Modi himself, should serve to remove all doubts about the common Kashmiri’s loyalties. An all-out emphasis on peace and communal harmony will not only spur tourism but also create favourable conditions for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Editorials