A balanced step toward Healing and Hope

15/06/2025

In a measured yet significant move, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced the phased reopening of tourist spots across Jammu and Kashmir starting June 17. This decision, coming nearly two months after the tragic April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, signals a cautious return to normalcy and underscores the administration's commitment to balancing security imperatives with the economic and emotional lifelines that tourism provides to the region. The attack that claimed the life of AdilHussain-a brave soul who died saving tourists-shook the Valley and the nation. His sacrifice is a stark reminder of the cost of terror, but also of the courage and humanity that endures even in the darkest of times. In an act that reflects the administration's compassion and sense of justice, LG Sinha has granted a government job to Hussain's wife. This is more than just a gesture of support; it is an affirmation that the sacrifices of ordinary heroes will not be forgotten.
Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a matter of leisure. For thousands of families, it is their main source of livelihood. The closure of key destinations following the attack, though necessary for security reasons, has strained local economies already grappling with uncertainty. LG Sinha's announcement, therefore, offers not just hope, but practical relief to those who rely on tourist footfall for survival. The phased reopening is a prudent approach. By relying on detailed security assessments from divisional commissioners and police leadership, the administration is ensuring that safety is not compromised in the name of expediency. This balance is crucial-tourism must be revived, but never at the cost of human life.
As some destinations welcome visitors once more, it is vital that all stakeholders-local authorities, security forces, tour operators, and tourists themselves-collaborate to preserve peace and ensure vigilance. Moreover, this move should be accompanied by enhanced surveillance, community engagement, and the rebuilding of public confidence. LG Sinha's dual announcements-reopening tourist spots and honoring a martyr's family-represent two sides of the same coin: recovery and resilience. They show that while the shadow of terror may linger, it cannot eclipse the spirit of a region determined to move forward, with dignity, unity, and care. Kashmir, long seen through the lens of conflict, deserves to be seen again for its beauty, culture, and strength. And with careful steps like these, it just might be.

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