Following fresh terror threats in the aftermath of last week's deadly attack in Pahalgam, the Jammu and Kashmir government has shut down 48 of 87 tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley. The sweeping closures come after intelligence agencies intercepted communications confirming that sleeper cells in the region had been activated and instructed to launch further attacks, according to sources.

Authorities fear a repeat of the April 22 incident, when Pakistan-based terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, killing 26 people, mostly holidaymakers. In response, security forces have significantly ramped up measures at key tourist hubs, deploying anti-fidayeen squads from the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police to locations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and the Dal Lake areas.

Sources added that intelligence inputs have pointed to plans for targeted killings and a larger, more coordinated attack. This appears to be in retaliation for the recent demolition of houses belonging to active terrorists after the Pahalgam strike.

The destinations which have been closed are:

 Yousmarg, Tousimaidan, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Bangus, Kariwan Diver Chandigam, Bangus Valley, Wular/Watlab, Rampora and Rajpora, Chearhar, Mundij-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall, Khampoo, Bosnia, Vijitop, Sun Temple, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margantop, Akad Park, Habba Khatoon Point, Babareshi, Ringawali, Gogaldara, Baderkote, Shrunz Waterfall, Kamanpost, Namblan Waterfall, Eco Park Khadniyar, Sangarwani, Jamia Masjid, Badamwari, Rajori Kadal Hotel Kanaaz, Aali Kadal JJ Food Restaurant, IVORY Hotel, Padshapal resorts and restaurant, Cherry tree resort (Faqir Gujri), North cliff cafe and retreat by Stay Pattern, Forest hill cottage, Eco village resort (Dara), Astanmarg View Point, Astanmarg Paragliding, Mamneth and Mahadev Hills, Buddhist Monastery,, Dachigam – Beyond Trout Farm / Fisheries Farm, Astanpora(especially Qayam Gah resort, Lachpatri, Hung Park and Naranag.