Jammu and Kashmir has been reopened totourists from today, more than two months after the government asked tourists and pilgrims to leave the state before it made the big announcement of ending the special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

In an order dated October 9, Jammu and Kashmir's Home Department lifted the travel advisory in the state following Governor Satya Pal Malik's instructions earlier this week. "The tourists desirous of under taking visiting to the state shall be provided all necessary assistance and logistical support," the order says.

Thousands of tourists, pilgrims, workers and students from other states had to leave Jammu and Kashmir early August after authorities issued a security alert over possible terrorist attacks.

According to officials in the tourist department, about20,000 to 25,000 visitors were present in the valley, which was in its peaktourist season at that time. Telephone and internet services were suspended andpublic movements restricted in many areas hours before the centre announced itsArticle 370 move.The centre also imposed massive security restrictions and tookmeasures that included arresting politicians and posting extra troops toprevent any backlash.Some of those curbs have been slowly relaxed, but mobileand internet communications in the Kashmir Valley are largely still blocked.Kashmir'stourism sector - the backbone of its economy - is going through one of itsworst phases since August. Since August, the valley is without tourists.Sonamarg- considered the gateway to Ladakh region - is a picturesque resort in centralKashmir's Ganderbal district and usually remained crammed with visitors.However, the resort town looks deserted with most of the hotels, restaurantsand shops closed for business.1.74 lakh tourists visited Kashmir in June,followed by 1.52 lakh, including 3,403 foreigners, in July, according toofficial figures.

However, officials in the tourism department said thedepartment has no record of tourist arrivals in August.