Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) executive member Raman Suri today welcomed the Lieutenant Governor’s administration’s decision to reopen several tourist destinations that were shut down in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. He said the move has infused new hope among all stakeholders associated with the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir and will play a crucial role in reviving livelihoods linked to this vital sector.
Raman Suri said that the administration has rightly taken the decision to begin reopening destinations in Bijbehara, Anantnag, Baramulla, Ramban, Kathua, and Reasi districts, which are among the most popular and scenic locations that attract tourists from across the country and abroad. He emphasized that though only 12 sites have been opened so far, the step has created optimism that many more destinations will soon be accessible to visitors.
“These places are not only rich in natural beauty but also hold immense cultural and heritage value. For years, they have been part of tourists’ itineraries, and their closure has left a significant gap in the overall experience of those visiting Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The BJP leader recalled that when these destinations were closed for security reasons, it adversely affected not just the travel sector but also the livelihoods of hoteliers, transporters, pony wallas, shopkeepers, guides, and artisans who depend heavily on tourist footfall. Despite the government’s intensive efforts to promote J&K tourism by inviting tourists from other states and abroad, and announcing attractive travel packages, the industry continued to struggle because several prime attractions remained out of reach.
Raman Suri added that the administration’s move proves its commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector to its full glory. He further said that safety and security are paramount, and while there can never be a compromise on human lives, the government’s careful assessment before reopening these destinations shows a responsible balance between security concerns and economic revival. “Leaving such places shut for prolonged periods creates a psychological and physical distance, both for tourists and for locals whose livelihoods depend on them. Their reopening now offers a new lease of life,” he added.
The BJP leader said that reopening these sites is not just about access but about restoring confidence. Tourists, he said, always prioritize beauty and authentic experiences, and Jammu and Kashmir’s unmatched landscapes and heritage continue to make it a global attraction. “The decision will send out a strong message that Jammu and Kashmir is safe, open, and welcoming, and will further boost domestic as well as international tourist arrivals,” Suri said.
Expressing gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, Raman Suri urged that more such steps be taken in a phased manner to ensure all closed destinations are reopened soon. He expressed confidence that the cumulative impact of these measures will not only bring back tourists in large numbers but also strengthen the local economy, create employment, and showcase Jammu and Kashmir’s true potential as a world-class tourism hub.
