J&K's Tourism Dilemma: Call for Reopening Tourist Destinations

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urges the Centre to reopen J&K tourist spots closed after the Pahalgam attack, claiming true normalcy can't be declared until these locations are accessible. Despite improvements in tourism infrastructure, confusion remains due to partial closures in key destinations.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the Centre cannot profess normalcy in the Union territory until tourist destinations closed after the Pahalgam attack earlier this year are reopened. He suggested a review of the decision to shut several sites post-attack.

Speaking at the inauguration of Asia's longest ski drag lift in Gulmarg, Abdullah remarked that the local government is responsible for enhancing tourism infrastructure but not for closing tourist spots. The spots were closed by the Lieutenant Governor's administration for security reasons after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Despite partial reopenings, many destinations remain closed, causing confusion among tourists according to Abdullah. He questioned the need for closures and emphasized the competitive potential of Jammu and Kashmir's tourist destinations on a global scale.

(With inputs from agencies.)