Opinion | LG Manoj Sinha Leads Kashmir’s Tourism Revival: Borders Must Open Next

Now, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has finally announced the phased reopening of several key tourist destinations. This is not just a decision; it is a message. It is a quiet but firm declaration that Kashmir is ready to move forward again, that the wheels of life and tourism must not remain still forever.

The valleys of Jammu & Kashmir have always been known for their breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality. But in the last few months, a dark cloud hung over the valley following the painful terror attack in Pahalgam, where innocent tourists lost their lives in an incident that shook not just Kashmir but the entire country. In the aftermath, many tourist spots were quickly shut down, not out of fear, but as a necessary step to protect people, to assess security, and to bring life back under control.

Now, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has finally announced the phased reopening of several key tourist destinations. This is not just a decision; it is a message. It is a quiet but firm declaration that Kashmir is ready to move forward again, that the wheels of life and tourism must not remain still forever. The doors to places like Betaab Valley, Kokernag, Verinag, Achabal, and Srinagar’s gardens such as Badamwari and Duck Park are now opening to visitors. It is an important moment. Tourism in Kashmir is not simply about business—it is woven into the daily lives of countless people. Families who run small guesthouses, pony-wallahs who guide tourists through the valleys, local shopkeepers, shikara owners, drivers, and street vendors—all of them have been waiting for this day when they can once again return to work with dignity and hope.

The government has shown wisdom in carefully choosing which places to open first, ensuring that safety arrangements are in place, that the security grid is active, and that visitors can return without hesitation. But as someone who has walked these mountains and rivers, I feel we need to go further. We need to look beyond the well-known destinations. This is the right time to open the doors of our beautiful, lesser-known border areas. Places like Gurez Valley, Bangus Valley, Keran, Teetwal, Tangdhar, and Machil—these are not just tourist spots; they are living examples of Kashmir’s untouched grace. For years, these border areas were either ignored or viewed as sensitive zones. But that has changed. The peaceful atmosphere in these villages, the improving roads, the deep desire of local people to welcome guests—all of this tells us that these places are now ready to share their story with the world.

Tourism must not remain trapped within the same old circuits of Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg. If we keep repeating these places, we miss out on the real beauty of Kashmir’s far corners. I have seen the calm waters of Kishanganga in Gurez, the green meadows of Bangus that seem to stretch endlessly, the friendly faces of villagers in Teetwal whose homes overlook the Line of Control. These are not just remote locations—they are places of history, of culture, of simplicity, where visitors can find peace and adventure at the same time.When tourists come to these border areas, they bring life to villages that have long been left behind. The money spent on homestays, local food, transportation, and small handicrafts gives direct support to the people living there. It is not just about income. It is about dignity, about showing the world that these villages are not war zones; they are places of hope.

It is also a powerful message to send across the globe. When a nation opens its borders to visitors, especially in areas once called ‘sensitive,’ it tells the world that confidence has returned. It shows that the security situation has improved, that the administration trusts its own people, and that the people, in turn, are ready to embrace outsiders with open arms. We have seen this already in places like Keran, where tourists now sit on the banks of Kishanganga, taking photographs where once only soldiers used to stand guard.

To make this vision a success, the administration must focus on building good roads, reliable mobile connectivity, clean and simple guest facilities, and most importantly, a system where tourists feel safe and welcomed at every step. It is equally important to involve the local communities in this process. No one knows these areas better than the people who live there. Their advice, their traditions, their understanding of the land must shape the way tourism grows. When local people feel they are part of the journey, they will protect it with their hearts.

I also believe this is the perfect time to promote these border destinations beyond just Kashmir’s own circles. Travel agencies, bloggers, filmmakers, and adventure seekers should be encouraged to explore these areas. Let them tell the stories. Let them show the world that Gurez, Bangus, and Teetwal are not just names on a map, but living, breathing places filled with beauty and resilience.

As we approach the Amarnath Yatra season, which itself brings lakhs of pilgrims to Kashmir, the government has a golden opportunity to showcase not just the holy cave but the entire region, including these quiet, waiting border villages. If handled with care and honesty, this can become a new chapter in Kashmir’s tourism story—a story of balance, where security and freedom walk side by side. Today, with the reopening of tourist spots, the Union Territory is taking the right step. But tomorrow must belong to the valleys that have waited too long for their turn. Let us not keep the borders closed to those who come in peace. Let us not limit the tourist’s imagination to gardens and lakes alone. Kashmir’s true beauty is in its forgotten corners, in the silence of its border villages, in the courage of its people who have seen both war and peace and still smile.

Author can be reached on Advocatetahir2024@gmail.com