India shuts over half of Kashmir tourist spots in security review

More than half of the tourist destinations in India’s insurgency-hit Kashmir region have been closed to the public starting Tuesday, according to a government order reviewed by Reuters, as part of heightened security measures following last week’s deadly attack on holiday-makers.

Gunmen in the Pahalgam area reportedly separated men, asked their names, and targeted Hindus before opening fire at close range, killing 26 people, officials and survivors said.

India has identified two of the three attackers as “terrorists” from Pakistan, accusing them of being part of a broader militant movement in Muslim-majority Kashmir. Pakistan has denied involvement and called for an independent investigation.

Hindu-majority India frequently accuses its Islamic neighbor of sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir, a Himalayan region claimed in full by both countries but ruled in part. Islamabad maintains it only provides moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris seeking self-determination.

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations have escalated since the Pahalgam attack. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial river-sharing agreement, while Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers.

The government of India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory has now closed 48 of the region’s 87 tourist sites and increased security at those that remain open, according to the official order seen by Reuters. No timeline was provided for how long the closures will remain in place.

Officials have not publicly commented on the measure.

Tourism had been rebounding in Kashmir, with its snow-capped peaks, scenic valleys, and historic Mughal gardens attracting growing numbers of visitors as violence in the region had decreased in recent years. But the Pahalgam massacre has sent panic through the industry, with many tourists cutting short their visits at the start of the busy summer season.

Meanwhile, cross-border tensions have also intensified. The Indian army said Tuesday it returned fire after “unprovoked” small arms shooting from several Pakistani posts around midnight—the fifth consecutive day of such incidents. No casualties were reported.

Pakistan’s military did not respond to a request for comment. However, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Reuters on Monday that a military incursion by India was “imminent” and that Pakistan had reinforced its forces in preparation.