Kashmir Shuts 48 Tourist Sites Amid Security Threats, Deadly Attack

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have closed 48 out of 87 tourist destinations following a deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, most of them Hindu tourists. The closures, which affect both popular and newly promoted sites, come amid heightened security concerns and intelligence warnings of further militant attacks targeting security forces and non-local individuals. The crackdown has triggered widespread panic, leading many tourists to cut their trips short and raising concerns about the region's tourism-dependent economy. The incident has also reignited tensions between India and Pakistan, with each side taking retaliatory diplomatic and transportation measures and India suspending a key water-sharing treaty. While India blames Pakistan-based militants and points to alleged involvement by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Pakistan denies any connection and calls for an independent investigation. Meanwhile, Kashmiris living in other Indian states report increased harassment and threats, compounding the sense of insecurity and unrest across the region.