The Hindu Editorial • February 19, 2026 • Read Original

Kashmir revival: On the path of tourism

Tourism that benefits locals can help counter the terrorist ecosystem

Scoreclever

Win Exams Cleverly

The Hindu Read Original

8 min read

Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on February 19, 2026

Kashmir revival: On the path of tourism

Tourism that benefits locals can help counter the terrorist ecosystem

Kashmir TourismPahalgam Attack 2025Union Budget 2026-27Environmental GovernanceSustainable Tourism

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 13

English Original

The April 2025 Pahalgam attack forced India to confront the fact that tourism recovers only when visitors can predict what will happen to them and local communities see credible benefits from keeping the sites open.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The April 2025 Pahalgam attack

A violent terrorist incident that happened in Pahalgam in April last year

Part 2

forced

Made it necessary (pushed someone to do something they might avoid)

Part 3

India

The central government and the people of the country

Part 4

to the fact that tourism recovers only when visitors can what will happen to them and local communities see from keeping the sites open

To face the reality that tourism only improves if travelers feel safe and locals genuinely profit from it

Context and Background

The April 2025 Pahalgam Attack

On April 22, 2025, a major terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, resulting in the deaths of 26 tourists. This event significantly damaged the perception of safety in the region and led to the closure of many tourist destinations for security reviews.

Sentence 2 of 13

English Original

Following the attack, the local administration closed 48 government-approved tourist sites, later reopening them in phases, including 14 on February 16.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Following the attack

After the violent incident happened

Part 2

the local

The government officials and authorities in Jammu and Kashmir

Part 3

closed

Shut down or stopped people from entering

Part 4

48 government- tourist sites

Specific places for visitors that the government had officially recognized and allowed to operate

Part 5

later reopening them in , including 14 on February 16

Opening them again step-by-step, with 14 spots starting to work on February 16

Sentence 3 of 13

English Original

Tourists have rated the Kashmir Valley as relatively safe overall while still differentiating types of risk, which means that tourism policy in the region needs to focus on what visitors can be certain about and whether the state has a fixed and lucid rationale for closing or reopening sites.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tourists

People who travel to Kashmir for leisure and sightseeing

Part 2

have rated

Have given an opinion or score based on their experience

Part 3

the Kashmir Valley

The famous scenic region in Jammu and Kashmir

Part 4

as safe overall

As mostly safe compared to other places, though not perfectly safe

Part 5

while still types of risk

Even though they still recognize that some types of danger are different from others

Part 6

which means that tourism in the region needs to focus on what visitors can be certain about and whether the state has a fixed and for closing or reopening sites

This shows that the government’s rules must focus on giving travelers clear information and logical reasons for shutting or opening places

Sentence 4 of 13

English Original

In the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described a two-pronged plan to enhance tourism: institutional capacity building and developing trails and heritage sites.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement

During the official speech about the country’s financial plan for the year 2026-27

Part 2

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

The senior government official in charge of India’s money and economy

Part 3

described

Explained or gave details about

Part 4

a plan to tourism

A strategy that has two main parts to improve the tourism industry

Part 5

and developing trails and

Improving how government organizations work and creating new walking paths and historical spots for visitors

Sentence 5 of 13

English Original

She also singled out the development of ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Jammu and Kashmir, which is good because formal trails admit better management, including ticketing, permits, deployment of rangers, and medical facilities, and reduce fragility by diversifying the ‘Kashmir experience’.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

She

The Finance Minister (Nirmala Sitharaman)

Part 2

also

Specifically mentioned or highlighted as one important thing among others

Part 3

the development of mountain trails in Jammu and Kashmir

Creating walking paths in the mountains that do not harm the nature and environment of J&K

Part 4

which is good because formal trails better management, including ticketing, permits, of rangers, and medical facilities, and reduce by the ‘Kashmir experience’

This is beneficial because official paths allow officials to handle visitors better (with tickets and guards) and protect nature by offering different types of activities

Sentence 6 of 13

English Original

Kashmir could also do with a third prong: it is a biodiverse region that has become heavily militarised and shared environmental governance can help build trust.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Kashmir

The region being discussed in the editorial

Part 2

could also do with

Would benefit from or needs something extra

Part 3

a third

A third part of the strategy or plan

Part 4

it is a region that has become heavily and shared environmental can help build trust

It is a place with many different plants and animals but has a lot of soldiers, and working together to protect nature can help people trust each other

Sentence 7 of 13

English Original

The central government should consider paid civic roles rather than relying only on volunteer awareness campaigns, using protocols that forest protection committees already implement around protected areas.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The central government

The main government of India in New Delhi

Part 2

should consider

Ought to think about or look at as a possibility

Part 3

paid rather than only on volunteer awareness campaigns

Giving people money for doing community work instead of just asking them to help for free through awareness programs

Part 4

using that forest protection committees already around protected areas

By following the same sets of rules that groups protecting forests already use near wildlife parks

Context and Background

Forest Protection Committees (FPCs)

Forest Protection Committees are community-based groups in India that work with the forest department to protect and manage forests. They involve local people in conservation efforts, often providing them with livelihood opportunities in exchange for their help in guarding the environment.

Sentence 8 of 13

English Original

These can include trail maintenance, waste management, guiding, fire watch, and (wildlife) conflict mitigation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

These

The paid civic roles (community jobs) mentioned in the previous sentence

Part 2

can include

Can be made of or have as parts

Part 3

trail , waste management, guiding, fire watch, and (wildlife)

Keeping paths in good condition, handling garbage, showing travelers around, watching for forest fires, and helping reduce problems between humans and wild animals

Sentence 9 of 13

English Original

An influx of tourists can jolt the local economy to provide more and better services, so that over time, more families are incentivised to speak out against terrorism that suppresses tourism.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

An of tourists

A large number of visitors arriving at the same time

Part 2

can

Can give a sudden push or shock that makes something start working better

Part 3

the local economy

The system of money and businesses within the Kashmir region

Part 4

to provide more and better services

So that businesses offer more options like hotels, transport, and shops

Part 5

so that over time, more families are to speak out against terrorism that tourism

So that gradually, more families have a reason (money/jobs) to oppose terrorism that stops people from visiting

Sentence 10 of 13

English Original

Functional sites also need clear rules, reliable permits, fast help during emergencies, working roads, clean public spaces, and good communication, and the lower disruption is the state’s incentive to solve these problems.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

sites

Tourist spots that are currently open and working

Part 2

also need

In addition, require certain things to work well

Part 3

clear rules, permits, fast help during , working roads, clean public spaces, and good communication

Simple instructions, trustworthy entry papers, quick medical/security help, usable roads, neat areas, and effective ways to share info

Part 4

and the lower is the state’s to solve these problems

And the fact that things will run smoothly without trouble gives the government a reason to fix these issues

Sentence 11 of 13

English Original

Tourism can also help reduce fear and isolation by bringing people from across India into local contact and fostering business ties.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tourism

The business of providing services for people who are visiting a place for pleasure

Part 2

can also help reduce

Is able to assist in making something less

Part 3

fear and

Scary feelings and the sense of being alone or cut off from others

Part 4

by bringing people from across India into local contact and business ties

By making it possible for people from all over the country to meet locals and create business partnerships

Sentence 12 of 13

English Original

Tourism and allied services can give young people a real path into the economy by skilling or reskilling them.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tourism and

The main tourism industry and all other businesses related to it (like hotels, taxis, and food)

Part 2

can give

Is able to provide or offer

Part 3

young people

The youth of the Kashmir region

Part 4

a real path into the economy

A genuine way to enter the financial system and earn a living

Part 5

by or them

By teaching them new skills or training them again with updated knowledge for a job

Sentence 13 of 13

English Original

The people of the region deserve more civilian ownership of social stability and more negotiating power, especially one that outstrips their cause for resentment.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The people of the region

The local residents living in Jammu and Kashmir

Part 2

deserve

Have earned or have a right to something because of their situation or actions

Part 3

more of social stability and more

More control by ordinary people over peace in their society and more ability to discuss and decide their future

Part 4

especially one that their cause for

Particularly an advantage or power that is stronger than the reasons they have for being angry or upset

Sentence 1 of 13

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 The April 2025 Pahalgam attack emphasized that tourism relies on both visitor safety and local community participation.
2 Following a period of security-related closures, tourist sites in the Kashmir Valley are being reopened in a phased manner.
3 Effective tourism policy needs to provide visitors with certainty and a clear rationale for administrative decisions.
4 The Union Budget 2026-27 focuses on institutional capacity and developing sustainable mountain trails in Jammu and Kashmir.
5 Engaging locals in paid civic roles and environmental governance can foster trust and provide an alternative to the terrorist ecosystem.

Tone of the Editorial

Analytical

Why this tone?

The editorial provides a detailed examination of the factors affecting Kashmir’s tourism recovery. It moves beyond simple observation to suggest specific strategic fixes (the ‘three prongs’) and institutional shifts (paid civic roles). The language is objective and focused on long-term solutions, using terms like “fixed and lucid rationale” and “environmental governance” to evaluate the situation.

Sentence 1 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The April 2025 Pahalgam attack

A violent terrorist incident that happened in Pahalgam in April last year

Part 2

forced

Made it necessary (pushed someone to do something they might avoid)

Part 3

India

The central government and the people of the country

Part 4

to confront the fact that tourism recovers only when visitors can predict what will happen to them and local communities see credible benefits from keeping the sites open

To face the reality that tourism only improves if travelers feel safe and locals genuinely profit from it

Sentence 2 of 13

Following the attack, the local administration closed 48 government-approved tourist sites, later reopening them in phases, including 14 on February 16.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Following the attack

After the violent incident happened

Part 2

the local administration

The government officials and authorities in Jammu and Kashmir

Part 3

closed

Shut down or stopped people from entering

Part 4

48 government-approved tourist sites

Specific places for visitors that the government had officially recognized and allowed to operate

Part 5

later reopening them in phases, including 14 on February 16

Opening them again step-by-step, with 14 spots starting to work on February 16

Sentence 3 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tourists

People who travel to Kashmir for leisure and sightseeing

Part 2

have rated

Have given an opinion or score based on their experience

Part 3

the Kashmir Valley

The famous scenic region in Jammu and Kashmir

Part 4

as relatively safe overall

As mostly safe compared to other places, though not perfectly safe

Part 5

while still differentiating types of risk

Even though they still recognize that some types of danger are different from others

Part 6

which means that tourism policy in the region needs to focus on what visitors can be certain about and whether the state has a fixed and lucid rationale for closing or reopening sites

This shows that the government’s rules must focus on giving travelers clear information and logical reasons for shutting or opening places

Sentence 4 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement

During the official speech about the country’s financial plan for the year 2026-27

Part 2

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

The senior government official in charge of India’s money and economy

Part 3

described

Explained or gave details about

Part 4

a two-pronged plan to enhance tourism

A strategy that has two main parts to improve the tourism industry

Part 5

institutional capacity building and developing trails and heritage sites

Improving how government organizations work and creating new walking paths and historical spots for visitors

Sentence 5 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

She

The Finance Minister (Nirmala Sitharaman)

Part 2

also singled out

Specifically mentioned or highlighted as one important thing among others

Part 3

the development of ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Jammu and Kashmir

Creating walking paths in the mountains that do not harm the nature and environment of J&K

Part 4

which is good because formal trails admit better management, including ticketing, permits, deployment of rangers, and medical facilities, and reduce fragility by diversifying the ‘Kashmir experience’

This is beneficial because official paths allow officials to handle visitors better (with tickets and guards) and protect nature by offering different types of activities

Sentence 6 of 13

Kashmir could also do with a third prong: it is a biodiverse region that has become heavily militarised and shared environmental governance can help build trust.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Kashmir

The region being discussed in the editorial

Part 2

could also do with

Would benefit from or needs something extra

Part 3

a third prong

A third part of the strategy or plan

Part 4

it is a biodiverse region that has become heavily militarised and shared environmental governance can help build trust

It is a place with many different plants and animals but has a lot of soldiers, and working together to protect nature can help people trust each other

Sentence 7 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The central government

The main government of India in New Delhi

Part 2

should consider

Ought to think about or look at as a possibility

Part 3

paid civic roles rather than relying only on volunteer awareness campaigns

Giving people money for doing community work instead of just asking them to help for free through awareness programs

Part 4

using protocols that forest protection committees already implement around protected areas

By following the same sets of rules that groups protecting forests already use near wildlife parks

Sentence 8 of 13

These can include trail maintenance, waste management, guiding, fire watch, and (wildlife) conflict mitigation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

These

The paid civic roles (community jobs) mentioned in the previous sentence

Part 2

can include

Can be made of or have as parts

Part 3

trail maintenance, waste management, guiding, fire watch, and (wildlife) conflict mitigation

Keeping paths in good condition, handling garbage, showing travelers around, watching for forest fires, and helping reduce problems between humans and wild animals

Sentence 9 of 13

An influx of tourists can jolt the local economy to provide more and better services, so that over time, more families are incentivised to speak out against terrorism that suppresses tourism.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

An influx of tourists

A large number of visitors arriving at the same time

Part 2

can jolt

Can give a sudden push or shock that makes something start working better

Part 3

the local economy

The system of money and businesses within the Kashmir region

Part 4

to provide more and better services

So that businesses offer more options like hotels, transport, and shops

Part 5

so that over time, more families are incentivised to speak out against terrorism that suppresses tourism

So that gradually, more families have a reason (money/jobs) to oppose terrorism that stops people from visiting

Sentence 10 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Functional sites

Tourist spots that are currently open and working

Part 2

also need

In addition, require certain things to work well

Part 3

clear rules, reliable permits, fast help during emergencies, working roads, clean public spaces, and good communication

Simple instructions, trustworthy entry papers, quick medical/security help, usable roads, neat areas, and effective ways to share info

Part 4

and the lower disruption is the state’s incentive to solve these problems

And the fact that things will run smoothly without trouble gives the government a reason to fix these issues

Sentence 11 of 13

Tourism can also help reduce fear and isolation by bringing people from across India into local contact and fostering business ties.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tourism

The business of providing services for people who are visiting a place for pleasure

Part 2

can also help reduce

Is able to assist in making something less

Part 3

fear and isolation

Scary feelings and the sense of being alone or cut off from others

Part 4

by bringing people from across India into local contact and fostering business ties

By making it possible for people from all over the country to meet locals and create business partnerships

Sentence 12 of 13

Tourism and allied services can give young people a real path into the economy by skilling or reskilling them.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Tourism and allied services

The main tourism industry and all other businesses related to it (like hotels, taxis, and food)

Part 2

can give

Is able to provide or offer

Part 3

young people

The youth of the Kashmir region

Part 4

a real path into the economy

A genuine way to enter the financial system and earn a living

Part 5

by skilling or reskilling them

By teaching them new skills or training them again with updated knowledge for a job

Sentence 13 of 13

The people of the region deserve more civilian ownership of social stability and more negotiating power, especially one that outstrips their cause for resentment.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The people of the region

The local residents living in Jammu and Kashmir

Part 2

deserve

Have earned or have a right to something because of their situation or actions

Part 3

more civilian ownership of social stability and more negotiating power

More control by ordinary people over peace in their society and more ability to discuss and decide their future

Part 4

especially one that outstrips their cause for resentment

Particularly an advantage or power that is stronger than the reasons they have for being angry or upset

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Kashmir Tourism Revival

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about Kashmir's tourism recovery and strategic policy shifts.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

Explore by Category

Editorial Categories

Politics and Governance 7 Economy 7 International Relations 2 Science and Technology 3 Environment 3 Society 0 Security 1 Infrastructure and Energy 2 Media and Communication 1 Miscellaneous 7

Vocabulary Feeds

Challenging Vocabulary 161 Idioms and Phrases 113 Phrasal Verbs 54

About Scoreclever

Your Complete Learning Ecosystem

Scoreclever helps you master Current Affairs, English Language, and General Awareness for all Banking, SSC, Railway, and Defence exams. The Scoreclever app has innovative learning techniques that make memorization and revision effortless.

Explore Scoreclever

Anything wrong in this content?

Give feedback

Request a feature?

Contact support

Looking to contribute?

Contact our team

Kashmir revival: On the path of tourism

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension - Kashmir Tourism Revival

Explore by Category

Share this editorial

About Scoreclever

Anything wrong in this content?

Request a feature?

Looking to contribute?