Srinagar, June 20: A visit by a sitting Supreme Court judge has spurred hope for tourism revival in Kashmir
Justice Augustine George Masih recently visited Jammu and Kashmir on a private tour with his family. He visited key destinations including Gulmarg, Pahalgam’s Bisaran Road, Dachigam National Park, Srinagar’s markets, and Dal Lake.
The visit remained low-key but significant, offering a quiet affirmation of the region’s growing stability and tourism revival.
“Kashmir is a land of breathtaking beauty and unmatched warmth. My family and I felt not only deeply welcomed but also entirely safe and secure throughout our visit. The serenity of its landscapes is matched by the professionalism of its security forces,” Justice Masih said.
He also welcomed the return of travellers to the Valley. “It is heartening to see tourists returning to Kashmir. Their presence reflects renewed confidence in the region’s hospitality and safety.”
Justice Masih’s remarks add to the growing narrative of Kashmir as a peaceful and inviting destination, increasingly frequented by dignitaries and tourists alike.
Earlier this month, eight Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, accompanied by their families, arrived in Srinagar to spend their vacations in the valley.
Their visit was seen as a signal for a strong vote of confidence in the region’s safety, serenity, and timeless charm. The visiting dignitaries, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), include Justice Vinod S. Bharadwaj, Justice Pankaj Jain, Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi, Justice Nidhi Gupta, Justice Harkesh Manuja, Justice Aman Choudhary, Justice N.S. Shekawat and Justice Vikram Aggarwal.
Their itinerary features visits to Kashmir’s iconic attractions, strolling through the majestic Mughal Gardens of Shalimar and Nishat, a serene sunset shikara ride on Dal Lake, a historical walk through Pari Mahal, and an evening immersed in the local vibrancy of Polo View Market.
Coming shortly after the Pahalgam incident that had cast a shadow over Valley tourism, the judges’ high-profile visit is being seen as a significant reassurance to both domestic and international tourists. Stakeholders across the Valley hoteliers, travel agents, craftsmen, and local guides, are already reporting a rise in bookings and inquiries.
Justice Vikram Aggarwal, Judge of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana, who was part of the visiting delegation, expressed satisfaction with the security and other arrangements in the Valley.
He urged tourists from across the country to visit Kashmir and enjoy its unmatched scenic beauty and hospitality. The visit is also being hailed as a much-needed morale booster for the local tourism economy, with many seeing it as a turning point in restoring confidence after recent setbacks.
As Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage continue to enchant travelers, such gestures from notable figures are playing a key role in reaffirming its status as one of India’s most cherished travel destinations. (With KNO inputs)