GUWAHATI: A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 23, in response to the recent terror attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The petition, submitted by Advocate Vishal Tiwari, calls for comprehensive safety protocols to be implemented across hill states and remote tourist destinations, particularly during the peak summer season when tourist footfall is high.
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The petition urges the Supreme Court to direct the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and state governments to deploy armed forces in areas that attract large numbers of tourists. It also calls for the establishment of adequate medical facilities in remote and hilly tourist spots to ensure immediate response during emergencies.
The plea underscores the economic dependence of several North Indian states on the tourism sector and warns that repeated terrorist attacks could cause lasting damage to local economies. The petition notes that there were no visible security arrangements in Pahalgam at the time of the attack, despite its status as a sensitive location.
The PIL argues that sustained security presence in such remote areas is necessary to safeguard visitors.
Furthermore, the petition seeks specific instructions for the protection of pilgrims participating in the Amarnath Yatra, an annual religious event that draws thousands to Kashmir.
