With heightened security concerns in the Union Territory of J&K especially after the gruesome terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, it becomes necessary that all stakeholders, including establishments associated with tourism in J&K, should act responsibly. The police and other security agencies should ensure that no entity in the UT of J&K is allowed to take things for granted as far as following security protocols is concerned.
In this context, the case of a hotel flouting the law by violating the Immigration and Foreigners Act in Pahalgam is a matter of grave concern because it is unacceptable that tourism stakeholders have taken security lightly despite last year’s ghastly terror strike allegedly carried out by foreign infiltrators.
Reportedly, J&K Police has registered an FIR against one of the hotels in Pahalgam on the charge of violating the Immigration and Foreigners Act by failing to report the stay of 23 foreign nationals, including 19 British citizens.
It is pertinent to mention that all the boarding facilities including hotels should submit the compulsory online Form C, which registers foreigners. The case of hotel management willfully concealing the stay of foreign tourists is not just a breach of law; rather, it amounts to a crucial security breach, which J&K cannot afford at this juncture when authorities are striving to combat terrorism effectively. The stakeholders especially those associated with the hotel and tourism industry should keep this thing in mind that by flouting the security norms they could invite big trouble.
It is therefore necessary to strictly comply with legal requirements regarding the reporting of foreign guests. Locals should also remain vigilant and promptly inform the police or security personnel about any suspicious activity. The hospitality sector, which is a frontrunner in restoring peace, should not forget for a moment that it thrives on trust and goodwill and its role goes beyond providing services. The government should also work diligently to remove enforcement gaps in the system by upgrading the protocols and enhancing monitoring on ground.
The gist is that hotels and other tourism related establishments are also partners of the dispensation in safeguarding the region. Peace, security and sustainable tourism growth can only be achieved when stakeholders act responsibly and comply with all security related norms and statutes.
