Anantnag: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday approved the reopening of seven tourist spots in the Kashmir valley, a move welcomed by the local population. The reopened sites include Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, and Kaman Post in Kashmir Division, along with five locations in Jammu Division, such as Dagan Top, Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Shiv Cave in Salal, and Reasi. These spots will reopen on Monday, September 29.

The decision followed a security review conducted during a meeting of the Unified Headquarters held at Srinagar's Raj Bhavan, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor. The meeting included top officials such as the Army’s Northern Commander, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Chief Secretary.

The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s office announced the reopening on social media, stating, "After a thorough security review and discussion in today's UHQ Meeting, I've ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures."

Earlier on World Tourism Day, LG Manoj Sinha extended an invitation to tourists across the country to visit Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the region's stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and hospitality, calling it the "crown jewel of India" and a year-round destination offering breathtaking beauty and spiritual experiences.

In a related security development, tightened measures were observed in Udhampur, especially along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, following an encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Seoj Dhar area. Officials reported that the encounter began around 8 p.m. when troops from the White Knight Corps made contact with terrorists in the region.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu, Anand Jain, posted on X, "On actionable intelligence, contact established with terrorists at Seoj Dhar. Encounter in progress. Joint teams of SOG-JKP and the Indian Army on the ground."

This heightened security underscores ongoing vigilance even as tourism resumes in the region. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday approved the reopening of seven tourist spots in the Kashmir valley and five in the Jammu Division, a decision welcomed by locals. The sites in Kashmir to reopen from September 29 include Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, and Kaman Post, while locations in Jammu include Dagan Top, Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Shiv Cave in Salal, and Reasi.

The decision came after a security review conducted during a Unified Headquarters meeting at Srinagar’s Raj Bhavan, chaired by Sinha and attended by the Army’s Northern Commander, Director General of Police, Chief Secretary, and other officials. The J-K LG’s office announced on social media: "After a thorough security review and discussion in today’s UHQ Meeting, I've ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures."

On World Tourism Day, LG Sinha invited tourists nationwide to visit Jammu and Kashmir, praising its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and hospitality, calling it the “crown jewel of India” and a cherished year-round destination offering breathtaking beauty and spiritual experience.

Meanwhile, security was tightened in Udhampur, especially along the Jammu-Srinagar highway, following an encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Seoj Dhar area. The encounter started around 8 p.m. after troops of the White Knight Corps made contact with terrorists. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Anand Jain posted on X, “On actionable intelligence, contact established with terrorists at Seoj Dhar. Encounter in progress. Joint teams of SOG-JKP and the Indian Army on the ground.”

With inputs from ANI