In the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken a significant step by shutting down 48 resorts and several popular tourist destinations across the Union territory.

The decision comes amid heightened security concerns and public unrest following the attack, which targeted a bustling tourist area in the Pahalgam valley. Locations such as Doodhpatri in Budgam and Verinag in Anantnag have been closed to visitors as part of the sweeping restrictions aimed at preventing further violence.

More than half of the region’s tourist hotspots have now been rendered inaccessible, severely impacting travel plans and leaving the local tourism sector in distress. What was once a thriving scene of hospitality has now turned grim, as panicked tourists flee the valley and upcoming bookings are cancelled en masse.

Locals fear economic impact

The closures have sparked concern among locals who rely heavily on tourism for their livelihood. Just a week ago, the markets of Pahalgam were buzzing with visitors; now, the footfall has dwindled dramatically. Protests have erupted across the valley, with residents expressing their grief and outrage over the brutal killings.

Holding placards and chanting slogans, citizens across towns and villages have declared their rejection of terrorism with the message “Not in my name.” These spontaneous demonstrations, from Kathua to Kupwara, mark a rare and unified public response to terror in the valley.

Political reactions and appeals for unity

Addressing a special session of the assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a strong statement condemning the attack and lauding the people’s stance. “This is the first time in over twenty years that people have taken to the streets across the region in such numbers against terror,” he said. Abdullah called for unity and sensitivity, stressing that no actions should be taken that may further alienate the people of Kashmir.

In a notable moment, he also declined to use the tragedy for political gains, reiterating that his leadership is rooted in responsibility, not opportunism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reacting to the developments, has assured the nation that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack will be brought to justice. Reaffirming the government’s resolve, he stated that Indian forces would pursue the perpetrators and their supporters relentlessly.

In a significant development amidst escalating regional tensions, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged his younger brother and current Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, to adopt a diplomatic approach rather than an aggressive stance towards India.

During a meeting in Lahore on Sunday evening, Shehbaz Sharif briefed Nawaz Sharif about the government’s recent actions against India, following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after the Pahalgam attack. The Pakistani government, in response, had closed its airspace for India and reportedly stepped up its readiness to counter any hostile moves.

Sources indicate that Shehbaz Sharif expressed concerns about India’s suspension of the water-sharing agreement, warning that it could escalate tensions dangerously in the region. He emphasized Pakistan’s preparedness to respond strongly if necessary.

However, Nawaz Sharif, founder of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), advised a more measured path. He recommended using all diplomatic avenues to de-escalate tensions and restore peace with India. Nawaz Sharif stressed the importance of avoiding any aggressive actions that could worsen the situation.

In a related move, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has suggested the formation of an international commission comprising representatives from countries like the United States, Russia, China, and Britain to investigate the Pahalgam attack, seeking broader international involvement in addressing the conflict.

The ongoing situation between India and Pakistan remains delicate, with calls from within Pakistan’s leadership for calm and dialogue to prevent further deterioration.

AIMIM leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly rebuked Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari over his controversial statement following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Owaisi reminded Bhutto of the tragic assassinations of his mother, former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and grandfather, former President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Bilawal Bhutto, who was Pakistan’s Foreign Minister till 2023 and remains an influential figure in the ruling coalition, had issued a provocative warning after India’s decision, reportedly saying, “The Indus is ours and will remain ours – either our water will flow through it, or their blood.”

Responding to these remarks, Owaisi said Bhutto should reconsider his words, recalling how terrorism claimed the lives of his mother and grandfather. “Forget about such childish talk. His mother was killed by terrorists. He should not speak in this manner,” Owaisi said, stressing that terrorism must be condemned universally and not selectively.

Owaisi also criticised Pakistan’s leadership for threatening India with nuclear weapons, highlighting the brutality of recent terror attacks. “If you enter a country and kill innocents, no nation will remain silent,” he said. He compared extremist elements to the Khawarij and ISIS sympathisers, known for their radical ideologies.

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi in December 2007 has long been linked to extremist groups, though the case remains unresolved.

Bilawal Bhutto’s comments have sparked wide condemnation across India’s political spectrum. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri suggested that Bhutto should undergo a mental health evaluation, while Congress MP Shashi Tharoor labelled the remarks “inflammatory.” Tharoor warned that any aggression from Pakistan would be met with an appropriate response, asserting, “If blood is going to flow, it will possibly flow more on their side than ours.”