Tourism in Conflict Zones: J&K and Manipur See Mixed Reactions to Tourism Promotion Amid Unrest
In recent years, the Indian government has made significant efforts to promote tourism in conflict-affected regions such as Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Manipur. While these campaigns aim to boost local economies and normalize the image of these areas, they have triggered a wave of mixed reactions, especially from local communities who continue to live under the shadow of political instability, military presence, and ethnic strife.
Jammu & Kashmir: Between Scenic Beauty and Political Tensions
J&K has long been romanticized for its breathtaking landscapes, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth.” In the wake of the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the central government has ramped up efforts to present the region as a safe and welcoming destination. Tourist numbers have surged in places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, with infrastructure developments and luxury hotels on the rise.
However, this push has not been universally welcomed. Many local Kashmiris argue that the aggressive promotion of tourism masks the unresolved political tensions and human rights issues in the region. “Tourists see the Dal Lake, but not the curfews, surveillance, or silenced voices,” says a resident of Srinagar. Critics claim that the state is being turned into a visual spectacle for outsiders while local grievances remain unaddressed. The presence of heavy security, occasional clashes, and communication blackouts continues to add layers of discomfort to what otherwise seems like a thriving industry.
Manipur: Ethnic Conflict and the Contradiction of Tourism
In Manipur, the situation is even more complex. The state has witnessed waves of ethnic violence in recent years, especially between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Despite the tensions, the government’s "Visit North East" initiative continues to include Manipur in its promotional campaigns.
This has sparked backlash from civil society groups and local activists. They argue that promoting tourism in a region grappling with internal displacement, burnt villages, and loss of life is both insensitive and premature. “Tourism in Manipur right now feels like inviting people to walk through our trauma,” said a member of a local human rights organization.
At the same time, some locals, especially in relatively peaceful districts, view tourism as a possible way out of economic hardship. Handicraft sellers, homestay owners, and small-scale tour operators express cautious optimism. Yet even they admit that without long-term peace and reconciliation, any tourism boom will be fragile and short-lived.
The Ethical Debate
The promotion of tourism in conflict zones raises important ethical questions: Is it right to showcase beauty while burying suffering? Can tourism genuinely aid healing, or does it risk trivializing pain for profit?
Proponents argue that increased tourism can help normalize regions, create jobs, and foster cultural exchange. Critics, however, caution that it may lead to the commodification of conflict, erasing the realities of people who live in these areas year-round.
Tourism in J&K and Manipur stands at a delicate crossroads. While it promises economic growth and national integration, it must be pursued with sensitivity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to addressing the underlying causes of unrest. Otherwise, the glossy travel brochures risk becoming tools of distraction, rather than instruments of peace.
In recent years, the Indian government has made significant efforts to promote tourism in conflict-affected regions such as Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Manipur. While these campaigns aim to boost local economies and normalize the image of these areas, they have triggered a wave of mixed reactions, especially from local communities who continue to live under the shadow of political instability, military presence, and ethnic strife.
Jammu & Kashmir: Between Scenic Beauty and Political Tensions
J&K has long been romanticized for its breathtaking landscapes, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth.” In the wake of the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the central government has ramped up efforts to present the region as a safe and welcoming destination. Tourist numbers have surged in places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, with infrastructure developments and luxury hotels on the rise.
However, this push has not been universally welcomed. Many local Kashmiris argue that the aggressive promotion of tourism masks the unresolved political tensions and human rights issues in the region. “Tourists see the Dal Lake, but not the curfews, surveillance, or silenced voices,” says a resident of Srinagar. Critics claim that the state is being turned into a visual spectacle for outsiders while local grievances remain unaddressed. The presence of heavy security, occasional clashes, and communication blackouts continues to add layers of discomfort to what otherwise seems like a thriving industry.
Manipur: Ethnic Conflict and the Contradiction of Tourism
In Manipur, the situation is even more complex. The state has witnessed waves of ethnic violence in recent years, especially between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Despite the tensions, the government’s "Visit North East" initiative continues to include Manipur in its promotional campaigns.
This has sparked backlash from civil society groups and local activists. They argue that promoting tourism in a region grappling with internal displacement, burnt villages, and loss of life is both insensitive and premature. “Tourism in Manipur right now feels like inviting people to walk through our trauma,” said a member of a local human rights organization.
At the same time, some locals, especially in relatively peaceful districts, view tourism as a possible way out of economic hardship. Handicraft sellers, homestay owners, and small-scale tour operators express cautious optimism. Yet even they admit that without long-term peace and reconciliation, any tourism boom will be fragile and short-lived.
The Ethical Debate
The promotion of tourism in conflict zones raises important ethical questions: Is it right to showcase beauty while burying suffering? Can tourism genuinely aid healing, or does it risk trivializing pain for profit?
Proponents argue that increased tourism can help normalize regions, create jobs, and foster cultural exchange. Critics, however, caution that it may lead to the commodification of conflict, erasing the realities of people who live in these areas year-round.
Tourism in J&K and Manipur stands at a delicate crossroads. While it promises economic growth and national integration, it must be pursued with sensitivity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to addressing the underlying causes of unrest. Otherwise, the glossy travel brochures risk becoming tools of distraction, rather than instruments of peace.
