Why Has Kashmir's Gulmarg Resort Been Closed to Tourists?
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Synopsis
In a critical move amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Gulmarg resort is now off-limits to tourists due to its location near the LoC. As casualties from cross-border shelling mount, authorities prioritize public safety while the Indian armed forces respond to escalating threats.
Key Takeaways
- Gulmarg resort closed to ensure tourist safety.
- 13 casualties reported due to cross-border shelling.
- Government relocating residents from vulnerable areas.
- All educational institutions closed in several districts.
- Indian Air Force suspends civilian flights at Srinagar airport.
Srinagar/Jammu, May 8 (NationPress) In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, authorities have announced the suspension of the ‘Gandola’ cable car service in Gulmarg and have declared the resort inaccessible to tourists due to its close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the meantime, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reported that 13 individuals have lost their lives and 59 others have sustained injuries from mortar shelling by Pakistan across the LoC in the past two days.
The MEA report specifies that all fatalities occurred in the Poonch district, where 44 of the 59 injured also hail from.
Areas such as the Uri sector in Baramulla district and Karnah sector in Kupwara district, along with Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu division, have been severely impacted by the recent shelling targeting civilians.
Among those killed in Poonch due to the shelling was a soldier.
A statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) indicated that, “During the night of May 7-8, 2025, posts of the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked fire using Small Arms and Artillery Guns across the LoC in regions opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor areas in J&K. The Indian Army responded appropriately,” the statement emphasized.
The Indian Army's White Knight Corps shared their condolences on X, stating, “The GOC and all ranks of the #WhiteKnightCorps honor the ultimate sacrifice of L/Nk Dinesh Kumar of 5 Fd Regt, who lost his life on May 7 during the Pakistan Army shelling. We express our solidarity with all the victims of these targeted attacks on innocent civilians in the #Poonch Sector.”
The administration in J&K has begun relocating individuals from vulnerable areas near the LoC to safer locations as tensions between the two nations escalate.
District hospitals in Poonch and Baramulla are treating a significant number of injured civilians, and special provisions have been established at the government medical college hospital in Jammu for those requiring specialized care.
All educational institutions, including schools and colleges, remain closed in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, Samba, Kathua, Baramulla, Kupwara, Awantipora, and Gurez areas.
The Indian Air Force has taken control of Srinagar airport, leading to the suspension of all civilian flight operations until May 10.
On Wednesday, the Indian armed forces conducted missile strikes on nine terror sites located in Pakistan. According to the MoD, these precision strikes targeted specific terror locations without crossing the LoC.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi authorized the armed forces to respond decisively following the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists supported by Pakistan in Pahalgam on April 22.
This heinous act sparked outrage across the nation. Prime Minister Modi stated that the terrorists, their handlers, and supporters would be pursued relentlessly. In response, India has implemented a range of measures against Pakistan, including the deportation of its nationals, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, and suspension of the Indus Water Treaty among others.
On Wednesday, India also closed the Kartarpur border crossing at the international border in Punjab.
The decision to grant operational freedom to the armed forces was made following a series of meetings involving the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, the National Security Advisor, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Point of View
We maintain an unwavering commitment to the nation's security and the well-being of its citizens. The recent escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan is concerning, and our focus remains on providing accurate updates while advocating for the safety of those living in vulnerable areas.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Gulmarg resort closed to tourists?
The Gulmarg resort was closed due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan and its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). Authorities prioritized the safety of tourists amid ongoing cross-border shelling.
What recent incidents have occurred near the LoC?
Recent incidents include mortar shelling from Pakistan that resulted in 13 deaths and numerous injuries, primarily in the Poonch district.
What measures are being taken for public safety?
The J&K administration is relocating people from vulnerable areas along the LoC to safer locations, and educational institutions have been closed to ensure safety.
What actions has India taken in response to the attacks?
India has conducted missile strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and has implemented several measures against Pakistan, including closing the Attari-Wagah border and deporting Pakistani nationals.
What is the current situation at Srinagar airport?
The Indian Air Force has taken over Srinagar airport, and all civilian flight operations have been suspended until May 10.
