In the heart of Kashmir’s breathtaking valleys and snow-capped peaks, an uneasy silence is settling in.
After a brutal attack last week that shook the region, authorities in India’s Jammu and Kashmir have decided to close more than half of the region’s tourist destinations — 48 out of 87 — in an urgent move to strengthen security. The closures, confirmed through a government order seen by Reuters, take effect from today.
The attack in Pahalgam, a favorite retreat for visitors, left deep scars. Survivors described a chilling scene where gunmen separated men by name, singling out Hindus before firing at close range. In moments, 26 lives were lost.
India has blamed militants from neighboring Pakistan for the bloodshed, identifying two of the three attackers as Pakistani nationals. Pakistan, however, has strongly denied any involvement, calling for an impartial international investigation.
Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, already simmering for decades over Kashmir, have now flared dangerously. India accuses Pakistan of nurturing militancy in the region, while Pakistan insists it only supports Kashmir’s right to self-determination.
The diplomatic fallout has been swift and severe. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty — a vital agreement that governs water sharing between the two countries — and Pakistan has shut its airspace to Indian flights. Meanwhile, fears of military escalation loom, with Pakistan’s Defense Minister warning Reuters that an Indian incursion could be imminent, prompting Pakistani forces to strengthen their positions.
For the people of Kashmir, and the thousands who hoped to visit, the shutdown is heartbreaking. Kashmir, once torn by violence, had in recent years blossomed into a major tourist destination, drawing visitors with its Mughal gardens, serene lakes, and towering mountains. Now, the start of the busy summer season is marred by fear and uncertainty. Hotels are emptying, and tourists are scrambling to leave early, abandoning their vacations in sadness and haste.
At the border, gunfire echoes nightly. For the fifth consecutive day, Indian forces reported responding to small arms fire from across the line of control. No casualties have been reported so far, but the tension is palpable.
The Indian government has yet to announce how long the closures will last. Meanwhile, Kashmir’s natural beauty — which had begun to symbolize a fragile hope for peace — now stands overshadowed by the heavy weight of violence and fear once again.
