Srinagar, Aug 23: Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani, has expressed serious concern over the continued closure of tourist destinations following the April 2025 terror attack at Pahalgam Baisaran.
While unequivocally condemning the cowardly act of terror, JKCSF maintains that ordinary people must not be made to suffer endlessly. Since April, thousands of families dependent on tourism—ponywallas, guides, hoteliers, transporters, and local vendors—have lost their livelihood. The prolonged shutdown has brought untold hardship upon them, JKCSF in a statement said.
Chairman JKCSF Abdul Qayoom Wani stated, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are themselves victims of violence and denying them their bread and butter in the name of security is unjust. Tourism is our economic backbone, and the government must ensure both safety and livelihood together.”
JKCSF strongly urged the administration to: (1) Opening of Yousmarg, Doodh pathri, Tous maidan in district Budgam and Boota pathri and the Drang at Tangmarg and Gulmarg, which remains under unjustified restrictions despite humble requests and protest by effected families and socio political activists, and (2) To facilitate and allow Electric Vehicle (EV) mobility in Tangmarg, Drang and Badrakout areas for creating sustainable tourism opportunities and jobs for local youth.
The forum appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, Chief Minister, Tourism Department, and district authorities to act without delay and added, “Reopening these destinations will not only restore livelihoods but also revive confidence in Kashmir’s tourism sector”.
