Pahalgam terror attack: PIL in SC seeks direction to take safety steps for protection of tourists

New Delhi: A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court for a direction to the Union Home ministry and States -- including Jammu and Kashmir -- to take immediate 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 over there.

The PIL filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari sought directions for the safe and secure Amarnath yatra which going to start soon in Jammu and Kashmir. 

It also sought direction for the arrangement of proper medical facilities on tourists 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.

The plea sought a direction for setting up of a special force to be assigned for this purpose. 

It stated for the first time so many tourists were allegedly attacked in one go in the state of Jammu & Kashmir and there were laxity on the part of administration in providing safety and security to tourists.

"The UN organisation counter-terrorism wing has a set of guidelines for protection of tourists.That is not being followed by India," the plea claimed.

The petitioner said that the tourists were easy targets for terrorist activities. The economy of the most of the North Indian states mainly depends upon the tourism sector as the large number of tourists Visit during summer season. 

"The terrorists attacks may reduce and impact the economy of the sector. It becomes very important to take safety measures for the protection of tourists. It is coming out that in Pahalgaon attack there no any kind of security arrangements despite of the fact that it is a sensitive area. There should be some sort of armed security in such places, remote areas where tourists gather for sight scene and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and nature. By such measures only we can protect the tourists from terrorists attacks," the plea said.

The plea claimed the security forces provided security to VIPs while the common people always suffered.