Read Time: 10 minutes

Synopsis

In the wake of a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, that claimed lives of at least 28 tourists, a writ petition has been filed before the Supreme Court urging immediate intervention to ensure the safety and security of tourists, particularly in hilly and remote destinations frequently visited during the summer season.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed through Advocate Vishal Tiwari, raises grave concerns over the lack of preparedness, awareness, and protective infrastructure in tourist hotspots vulnerable to terrorist attacks. It emphasizes the urgent need for a national-level safety framework, including awareness programs and emergency response guidelines to protect unarmed civilians.

The petitioner referred to the recent attack in Pahalgam, located about 90 kilometers from Srinagar, where terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists who were gathered peacefully. The petition notes that the victims, devoid of any security cover, became easy targets, prompting serious concerns about the State’s responsibility to safeguard its citizens and visitors.

"Recent terrorist attack on Tuesday in Pahalgaon, Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorist targeted the tourists and opened fire and killed around 28 persons and several injured. The attack targeted tourists in Pahalgam, which lies about 90 kilometers (55 miles) by road from the key city of Srinagar. The terrorists targeted the tourists who were enjoying on a place in Pahalgaon by sitting and eating. And it was an easy target for the terrorists, as the innocent people unarmed and without any security, were found, and than terrorists attacked them and started killing. The government and security forces will bring justice," the PIL states. 

Drawing attention to the disparity in security arrangements between VIPs and common citizens, the petitioner criticized the over-allocation of resources for political and public figures, while ordinary people continue to remain vulnerable in sensitive zones.

The petition stresses that this is one of the first large-scale attacks directly targeting tourists in India and underlines the dire need for a national protocol to prevent such incidents in the future. It also references global precedents and guidelines issued by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee for the protection of tourists, suggesting India must follow suit.

"It is for the first time that the tourists have been targeted and in such large number they have been killed and injured. Now it has raised the question of Safety and security of the people of the country who visit as tourists, mostly in hilly areas and Valley like Jammu and Kashmir. Globally tourists have been targeted through out the world many times by the terrorist and the United Nations Organization Counter-Terrorism has issued guidelines for the Protection of the tourists," the PIL reads. 

With the summer vacation season approaching, the petitioner pointed out that hilly states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh see a sharp influx of tourists looking to escape the summer heat. The region also hosts religious pilgrimages like the Amarnath Yatra, further increasing the volume of visitors.

“Remote valleys and snow-laden terrains—though beautiful—are soft targets due to sparse security presence,” the petition states, urging both the Central and State Governments to deploy adequate forces in vulnerable zones and formulate emergency response mechanisms.

Highlighting that tourism is a critical economic lifeline for residents in such regions, the petitioner has called for a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring security.

The plea prays for direction to the Union of India and the concerned state governments to frame and implement robust safety protocols, create awareness among tourists, and install emergency help infrastructure in high-risk tourist areas.

"Recent terrorist attacks have raised question of security of tourists visiting such remote places. In urban areas it is difficult to attack, as there is regular movement of police, forces but tourist destinations are geographically different, where people can be targeted easily. The central and state governments have to take adequate steps to deploy adequate security for the tourists who Visit Such remote hilly areas and alleys, especially during the summer season," the plea reads. 

Prayers

The following prayers are sought:

i. Issue a Appropriate writ, Order, Decree in the nature of mandamus and Direct the Union Home ministry and Respondent States to take safety Steps for the protection of tourists Visiting Especially the Hilly States and remote places which are Sensitive in respect to terrorist Attack and deploy Armed security to such remote sight scenes and places where tourists gather in large number;

ii. Issue directions for the safe and secure Amarnath Yatra, which is going to start in Jammu and Kashmir.

iii. Issue direction for the arrangement of proper medical facilities in tourist places, especially the remote hilly and valley areas where tourists visit and gather so that there can be prompt medical aid at the time of any emergency situation;

iii. Issue directions for making general guidelines and awareness for tourists on how to keep safe during terrorist attacks and protect themselves.

Case Title: Vishal Tiwari v. Union of India & Ors.