The burgeoning border tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, which had witnessed a revival following the 2021 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, has been dealt a significant blow by the escalating militant presence in the region’s upper reaches. The once-promising opportunity for visitors to experience the breathtaking landscapes near the Line of Control (LoC) has been abruptly curtailed as security concerns take precedence.
The process for obtaining passes to visit areas near the LoC has become considerably more stringent. Several regions in north Kashmir, including popular destinations like Keran, have been declared no-go zones. The decision stems from the heightened security concerns following reports of militant activity in the region. In July, three infiltrators were killed near the LoC in Keran, prompting authorities to suspect the movement of militants. This has resulted in numerous tourists and off-roaders being denied permission to travel to these areas, effectively shutting down their access to popular destinations.
The Lieutenant Governor’s administration had envisioned promoting Keran as a border tourist village, with hundreds of tourists showing interest in the destination since 2022. However, the recent security concerns have put these plans on hold. Similarly, the high-altitude circuit, which connects Machil with Point 4040, Zamindari Gali, and Bandipora’s Razdan Top, has been closed to off-roaders this year. This decision reflects the broader concerns over the growing presence of highly trained militants operating in the upper reaches of the Jammu region. Intelligence estimates suggest that eight to twelve infiltrator groups are active in the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valleys.
In response to the escalating situation, security forces have intensified their vigilance, particularly in north Kashmir, especially in the Kupwara district. Reports of armed men moving through the forests have triggered heightened security measures, further hindering the flow of tourists to the region.
The Pakistani Army has also taken a more assertive stance along the LoC. Mosque public address systems on the Pakistan side of the border are being used to dissuade tourists from approaching the Neelum River in the Keran and Teetwal areas. This river serves as a natural boundary between Kashmir and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The once-friendly exchanges between tourists on both sides of the river, characterized by musical events, selfies, and enthusiastic waving across the river, have come to a halt.
The current situation represents a stark reversal of the progress made in recent years. After over three decades of restricted access to the LoC due to intense conflict between India and Pakistan, the ceasefire agreement in February 2021 brought a glimmer of hope for tourism. The Army relaxed the pass requirements, enabling local residents to transform their homes into homestays, particularly in the Machil and Keran sectors. The recent surge in militancy, however, threatens to undo the progress achieved, leaving the future of border tourism in the region uncertain.
