Conflict Continues in Jammu and Kashmir

Unfortunately the situation surrounding the conflict over the sacred Amarnath land in the far northern state of Jammu and Kashmir has only intensified since it started in mid June. Recently violent protests in the Kashmir Valley ignored the curfews in place, resulting in police intervention and deaths in Srinagar, Bandipore, Lasjan, and Ganderbal.

The impact on tourism has been terrible. Hotels that were fully booked until September are now standing empty without a single guest. Shops are closed, agriculture in the area is also suffering, and investment has dwindled.

It's hoped that the violence will calm down after the annual Amarnath Yata pilgrimage on August 17-18.