After remaining closed for tourists on account of security-related issues post Pahalgam massacre, the J&K Government in September last year reopened several popular tourist destinations. These included Aru valley in Pahalgam, Yanner rafting point Pahalgam, Akkad Park Pahalgam road, Kaman post Uri, Dhaggar Kathua, Shiv cave Salal Reasi etc. Before these places were reopened the Govt threw open tourist destinations like Verinag, Kokergan, Betab valley, Achabal etc., in June last year. Along with many tourist destinations that were closed down for tourists, Yusmarg, Doodhpathri & Tosamaidan in district Budgam were also declared out of bounds for tourists. Initially it was believed that both Yusmarg and Doodhpathri would be re-opened in June 2025 when Kokernag, Veerinag, Betab valley Pahalgam etc., were reopened but that didn’t happen? When the Govt again threw open places like Aru Pahalgam and other tourist destinations in September last year, it was for sure Yusmarg, Doodhpathri and even Tosamaidan would be reopened, but this didn’t happen?

 Peaceful destinations

By keeping destinations like  Yousmarg, Doodhpathri and Tosamaidan closed for tourists for the last 10 months, this is having a severe impact on local livelihoods. I understand that there will be security concerns which prompted the Govt to keep these destinations closed, but keeping these destinations closed for 10 long months is a matter of........

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