Will J&K L-G Reopen 11 Tourist Spots in Valley and 3 in Jammu Division?
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Jammu, Feb 16 (NationPress) - The Lt Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, has announced the immediate reopening of 14 tourist destinations within the Union Territory. This includes 11 locations in the breathtaking Kashmir Valley and 3 sites in the Jammu division, all of which were temporarily closed following the tragic events of the Pahalgam massacre.
Officials have confirmed that the 11 tourist spots in the Valley set for reopening encompass Yousmarg and Doodhpathri in Budgam, Dandipora Park in Kokernag, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan & Padpawan in Shopian, Astanpora and Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Thajwas Glacier and Hung Park in Ganderbal, as well as Wullar/Watlab in Baramulla district.
Additionally, the three sites in the Jammu Division - Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Mangat in Ramban, and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar - will also reopen without delay, as confirmed by an official.
However, the reopening of three sites in the Kashmir Division - Gurez, Athwatoo, and Bangus - along with one site in the Jammu Division, Ramkund in Ramban, will occur once the snow has been cleared, according to the official statement.
These tourist locations were initially shut down following a heinous terror attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, where 26 individuals, including 25 tourists and a local pony owner, lost their lives.
The attack was executed by terrorists from the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The nation reacted with outrage, leading Prime Minister Narendra Modi to authorize the armed forces to respond decisively.
Under the operation titled 'Operation Sindoor', the Indian military conducted strikes deep within Pakistani territory without violating the border. This aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure situated in Muredki near Lahore, Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and other areas while sparing Pakistani military installations.
In retaliation, Pakistan intensified tensions by targeting civilian infrastructure in J&K, resulting in the destruction of a mosque, a temple, and a gurudwara, alongside the deaths of 14 civilians from shelling in Poonch district.