In the aftermath of the recent terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court urging the Centre and States to ramp up security in sensitive hill regions and tourist hotspots.
Filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari, the plea seeks urgent directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs and State governments to deploy armed security personnel in remote and high-footfall tourist locations, particularly in regions vulnerable to terror threats. The petitioner emphasized the need for comprehensive safety arrangements, stating,
“It is coming out that in Pahalgam attack there [were] no any kind of security arrangements despite [the] fact that it is a sensitive area. There shall be some sort of armed security in such places, remote areas where tourists gather for sightseeing and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and nature.”
Highlighting the economic stakes, the PIL noted that tourism forms the backbone of the economy in many North Indian hill states. The petition warns that repeated attacks could severely impact tourism and, by extension, local livelihoods.
The plea also calls for the establishment of well-equipped medical facilities in remote hilly and valley regions to ensure swift emergency response. Additionally, it specifically seeks the Court’s intervention to ensure the safety of pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The economy of most of the North Indian states mainly depends upon the tourism sector as a large number of tourists visit during the summer season. The terrorist attacks may reduce and impact the economy of the sector. It becomes very important to take safety measures for the protection of tourists,” the petition reads.
The Supreme Court is expected to list the matter for hearing in the coming days.
