Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have closed nearly 50 public parks and gardens across the Kashmir Valley in response to escalating security concerns following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
A total of 48 out of 87 public parks and tourist destinations have been shut in the wake of intelligence inputs warning of further attacks. Although no formal order has been issued, entry to these locations has been blocked as a precautionary measure.&nbsp;
"Gates have been closed at 48 of the 87 public parks and gardens in Kashmir in view of the threat perception to tourists," officials said.
The decision comes after the deadly terrorist attack on April 22 in Baisaran Valley, a scenic spot near the popular resort town of Pahalgam, where a group of Pakistan-based terrorists opened fire on holidaymakers, killing 26 individuals, most of whom were tourists.&nbsp;
The attack, which also involved a local terrorist, led to a mass exodus of tourists from the region. Tourists had only recently started returning to Kashmir, including Pahalgam, when the fresh warnings were issued.
Among the destinations now off-limits are Dooshpathri, Kokernag, Duksum, Sinthan Top, Acchabal, Bangus Valley, Margan Top, and Tosamaidan. These locations, mostly in remote and vulnerable areas, include some of the newer tourist spots that were opened over the past decade. In south Kashmir, several Mughal Gardens have also been locked to prevent public entry.
The Jammu and Kashmir government acted after intelligence intercepts revealed heightened militant activity across the valley. According to sources, sleeper cells were activated after the Pahalgam attack, and instructions were issued to initiate operations.&nbsp;
"In light of the recent militant attack on tourists dated 22.04.2025, reliable inputs from credible sources and sister intelligence agencies suggest that militant organisations are actively planning attacks targeting security forces and non-local individuals in the upcoming days," a media report said.&nbsp;
The inputs also implicated Pakistan&rsquo;s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency in planning targeted attacks on non-local individuals, CID personnel, and Kashmiri Pandits, particularly in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.&nbsp;
Reports suggest that militants operating across North, Central, and South Kashmir may be preparing both targeted killings and a large-scale retaliatory attack in response to the demolition of terrorist safe houses carried out after the Pahalgam incident.
The intelligence report further warned of potential threats to railway infrastructure, citing the presence of a large number of non-local staff in the valley. Railway security personnel have been advised to remain within their designated camps and barracks to minimize risk.
In response, anti-fidayeen squads, mainly comprising Special Operations Group personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, have been deployed to sensitive areas including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and around the Dal Lake. Security has been significantly tightened across all high-risk locations.
Meanwhile, a large-scale anti-terror operation is underway across Jammu and Kashmir. Security agencies have conducted coordinated raids, detained hundreds of suspects and sympathisers, and destroyed several homes belonging to active terrorists.&nbsp;
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is leading the probe into the Pahalgam attack, has launched an on-site investigation and recreated the crime scene. The NIA is also preparing to question local workers present during the incident, including those involved in operating the zipline facility, and survivors such as Gujarati tourist Rishi Bhatt, whose video footage captured images of the attackers.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Authorities in Kashmir have shut 48 tourist spots amid fresh terror threats following the deadly Pahalgam attack

Security Fears Close Over 40 Kashmir Tourist Sites

Authorities in Kashmir have shut 48 tourist spots amid fresh terror threats following the deadly Pahalgam attack

April 29, 2025 | 13:03 IST