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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.
The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public of the planned resumption of the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court. This decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens.
It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles. Nonetheless, in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, the Force suspended enforcement to allow motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure.
Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass. Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes. In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities. Consequently, enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2nd January, 2026.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws. He adds that the Force remains committed to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to keep Nigeria secure.
Meanwhile, motorists who require the Tinted Glass Permit are encouraged to apply through the approved channels and ensure that their vehicles comply with legal procedures.
CSP FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
15th December, 2025
News
Bianca Ojukwu’s Daughter Joins Her Mother at the ECOWAS Council of Ministers Session in South Africa
Following a recent post by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, on her official Instagram account on Monday, 15th December, 2025, the minister shared a noteworthy moment from the ECOWAS 95th Session of the Council of Ministers held in South Africa.
In the post, Ambassador Ojukwu revealed that her daughter, Chi, who works with UN Tourism, accompanied her to the high-level regional meeting to gain firsthand insight into the demands of diplomatic service. According to the minister, the experience offered her daughter a clearer understanding of the intensity and dedication required in her role as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She explained that the council’s deliberations often stretched late into the night, sometimes well past midnight, with long hours spent in the conference hall and sustained by endless cups of tea. The demanding schedule, she noted, was far more intense than her daughter had anticipated
The post has since drawn reactions from followers, many of whom praised Ambassador Ojukwu for mentoring the next generation through exposure to international diplomacy and commended her commitment to regional cooperation and public service within ECOWAS.
News
Late Ambassador Demola Seriki’s last wife accuses family of denying her and their children access to his graveside
All appears not to be well with the family former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Late Demola Seriki, left behind. The Lagos politician and former minister passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022, in Madrid, Spain at the age of 63 leaving behind three wives and his children.
Today marked three years since he passed away.
His last wife, Princess Sholape and her children had visited his graveside to pray for the repose of his soul. Sholape in a video she shared online this evening, said she and her kids were denied access into the vault to offer their prayers for the repose of his soul. According to her, a certain Biola has refused to grant herself and her kids access to the graveside and has instructed that visitation to his grave must be done only by her approval.
Sholape shared a video of herself and her two children at the grave.
‘’The keys for the vault has been seized and we have been refused access to it. Today we speak up and we will get on with things. It’s okay. It doesn’t stop up. We have done our prayers’’
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSS3dopDVBM/?igsh=ZDQ1ZTJsYXlobTU3
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF ENFORCEMENT OF TINTED GLASS PERMIT
Bianca Ojukwu’s Daughter Joins Her Mother at the ECOWAS Council of Ministers Session in South Africa
BREAKING: Senate President Akpabio Currently Hospitalised In London After Collapse, Misses Key Budget Session – Sources
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