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Pahalgam terror incident hit tourism bookings in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 30 (ANI): The tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh is facing an unexpected slump following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Travel operators and hoteliers in the state report a sharp rise in booking cancellations, with travelers opting to stay away from hill stations out of fear, despite Himachal’s peaceful reputation.
Tour operators and hotel owners are now urging tourists to not let fear overshadow the calm and safety that Himachal offers, stressing that the state remains one of the most hospitable and secure destinations in the country.
Kedar Dutt, a travel and tour operator based in Shimla, who has been in the business since 1994, highlighted the sharp decline in tourist arrivals post the Pahalgam incident.
“Tourism in Himachal Pradesh has been hit hard ever since the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir. In the last two weekends alone, we’ve seen a drop of over 50% in tourist traffic. Unless the Indian government takes a strong stand against Pakistan, tourists will continue to fear visiting hill stations,” said Kedar Dutt.
He further added that although parts of Jammu and Kashmir have been shut for tourism due to security concerns, the impact has spilled over into Himachal Pradesh as well.
“We initially thought tourists would choose Himachal instead of Kashmir, but that hasn’t happened. The entire hotel industry, travel agents, taxi operators–everyone is suffering. And this, at a time when the tourist season in Himachal has just begun,” he added.
Dutt emphasized the need for the government to support the tourism sector which not only creates employment but also contributes significant revenue through taxes. “The season has started, but there’s no business. That means major losses. The future of our business now depends on how the government acts. If this continues, it could devastate the entire hospitality ecosystem, Dutt said.
Ashwani Sood, a hotel owner in Shimla, called the Pahalgam attack “unfortunate and condemnable” but stressed that tourists should not equate the situation in Kashmir with the safety of Himachal Pradesh.
“We condemn the Pahalgam incident, but we also appeal to tourists across India to not let fear dictate their plans. Himachal Pradesh is peaceful, our climate is beautiful, and all our hotels are ready to welcome you,” said Ashwani Sood.
He assured travelers that hotels across Shimla and the state maintain high standards of safety, making it an ideal destination for family holidays.
“You’ll find safety, good weather, and a warm welcome here. This was only a two-week setback, and things are starting to pick up again. If you’re planning a family vacation, come to Himachal, we will take full care of your safety and make sure you return happy,” he said.
Referring to the economic damage from COVID-19, Sood said the industry was just entering revival mode, and cannot afford another prolonged downturn.
“We’ve already suffered huge losses during COVID. We request the Himachal Pradesh government and tourism department to bring in supportive policies, incentives, and promotion schemes for the tourism sector. This industry creates employment and contributes a lot to state revenue. We need help now,” he added.
Sood expressed optimism about the coming summer, stating, “As temperatures rise across the plains, people will look to the hills. Himachal is Devbhoomi, the land of gods, with beautiful weather, infrastructure, and warm, cooperative locals. I personally feel that this summer will be a good one.”
Meanwhile, tourists visiting Shimla explained the state’s landscape as beautiful. Jaya Lakshmi, a tourist from Kanyakumari, described her experience in glowing terms.
“Shimla is a beautiful and peaceful place. The climate is wonderful. We are enjoying it a lot. I would tell everyone, come to Shimla. It’s a must-visit destination,” said Vijaya Lakshmi.
As Himachal Pradesh enters the peak tourist season, industry stakeholders are hoping for a recovery in visitor footfall and calling on the government to offer strategic support to boost confidence in domestic travel.
News
Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya Set To Get A Vice President For The First Time In His 43-Year Rule
Cameroon’s president, Paul Biya, is set to get a vice president for the first time in his four-decade rule, following controversial constitutional changes backed by the parliament.
In a joint session of the ruling party-dominated National Assembly and Senate, lawmakers voted 200 to 18 in favour, with four abstentions, to pass the bill.
The bill stipulates that the vice president will automatically assume the presidency if President Paul Biya dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated.
Biya, 93, has led the Central African country since 1982 and is the world’s oldest serving head of state. Public discussion about his health is banned.
According to the legislation, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, the vice president will be appointed and dismissed by the president, serving for the remainder of the president’s seven-year term.
However, the interim leader would be prohibited from initiating constitutional changes or running in a subsequent election.
Prior to the amendment, the constitution designated the leader of the Senate to briefly take over in case the sitting president d!es or is incapacitated. An election would then be held.
The Social Democratic Front (SDF) party, which has six representatives in parliament, boycotted the vote. It had pushed for a revision in favour of the vice-president being jointly elected with the president, rather than appointed.
The party also sought a constitutional provision that reflects the linguistic split between English and French-speaking regions. The SDF wanted the nation’s top two posts to be shared between Cameroon’s two communities, which was the position before 1972.
“This constitutional reform could have been a moment of political courage, but it is nothing less than a missed historic opportunity,” SDF chairman Joshua Osih said.
News
Nigerians Expect Everything Free, Roads And Light, But Don’t Want To Pay Tax — Minister Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has highlighted the ongoing challenges of tax collection, pointing out the disparity between citizens’ expectations and the reality of government revenue.
Speaking with TVC NEWS live, he stressed that while Nigerians expect quality infrastructure and services, there is widespread reluctance to contribute through taxes.
On the difficulty of generating revenue, Wike said: “To collect tax, you know it’s not an easy thing. I don’t know how many of you here like to pay tax. Nigerians want everything for free. They want road, they want light. It is not easy.”
He further stated; “When I came to Abuja we were about 8, 9 billion. The money we get from the federal government is 1% of the allocation of federal government. So if federal government gets 1 trillion for example, they’ll give us one percent which is ten billion naira and that cannot carry the society. Our salary in a month is not less than 12–13 billion, so we must augment. How do we augment?”
Addressing public criticism, he added: “There’s no ab¥se that any politician has received than me. I think after the president, I’m the highest ab¥sed. There’s nothing we do that we won’t get ab¥sed. Well, what is important to me is that I want to be concentrated to do the job.”
On oversight and accountability, Wike explained how closely he monitors the finances: “The money we have gotten from tax challenge me, minister FCT, what are you doing? I’ll show you as I sit here.”
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Police Arrest Pastor, Islamic Cleric And One Other Over Possession Of Human Parts In Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended three suspects, including a pastor and an Islamic cleric, for allegedly possessing human body parts in Ibadan.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on 24th March, 2026.
According to the PPRO, a patrol team intercepted an unregistered motorcycle and arrested the rider.
Upon searching the pillion, a package containing human intestine was recovered.
The suspect confessed that he had obtained the items from an unknown individual and sells them to one Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo.
Onaolapo and Ayodele were subsequently tracked and arrested.
The duo confessed to purchasing the suspected human parts from Oyategbe Joseph.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of a recent arrest involving the unlawful possession and sale of suspected human parts in Ibadan, highlighting the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and the protection of lives and public health,” the statement read
“In line with its proactive measures to rid the state of criminal activities, the Command routinely conducts stop-and-search operations, which serve as a key strategy for detecting and preventing illegal acts before they escalate.
“It was during one such operation along Adekile area of Agugu that a patrol team intercepted an unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycle.
“During a search of the pillion, the rider was apprehended on the spot, and a package containing flesh suspected to be human parts (intestine) was recovered.
“Following this discovery, the apprehended pillion rider, identified as Oyategbe Joseph, male, of Ibadan, was interrogated.
“He confessed that he had obtained the suspected human parts from an unknown individual at Oritaperin area and further admitted to selling the items to two persons: Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo, male, aged 46 years, and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo, male, aged 55 years.
“Acting promptly on this intelligence, the Command swiftly apprehended Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo and brought them to the station for interrogation.
“Both suspects confessed to purchasing the suspected human parts from Oyategbe Joseph.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a discreet and thorough investigation.
“Upon the conclusion of investigations, all suspects will be charged to court.
“As a result of these coordinated actions, all three suspects are currently in police custody, and the Command reassures the public that every necessary measure is being taken to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
“In conclusion, the Oyo State Police Command appeals to members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any information regarding the possession or sale of human parts to the nearest police station or security agency, emphasizing that community cooperation remains critical in maintaining law and order.”
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