In the aftermath of a tragic militant attack that left 26 people dead near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, the town is in a state of tentative revival. Just a week after the assault, which targeted mostly visiting tourists at Baisaran, a picturesque meadow just outside the town, signs of life are beginning to return—but so are uncertainty and fear.
The reality of the attack, one of the deadliest in the region’s recent history, continues to cast a shadow. The once-bustling high street was emptied of visitors, with shops closed and hotels devoid of guests, but now a few tourists have mustered the courage to visit again. Many opted to postpone their return home, citing expensive flight tickets, while others are reassured by the supportive presence of locals and security personnel. Akshay Solanki, a visitor from Mumbai, noted the panic his group experienced during the attack, yet they chose to remain for financial reasons.
The impact of the attack on local businesses is palpable. Rafi Ahmed, a shawl vendor, expressed his worry for the future, lamenting just a few sales amid declining tourist numbers. The pleas from locals, including Bollywood actor Atul Kulkarni urging visitors to continue their plans, highlight a wider desire for normalcy to return.
As the region reels from the violence, authorities have implemented stringent security measures, including the closure of various tourist attractions, while also launching combing operations against suspected militants. The overall atmosphere remains uneasy as retaliatory actions arise between India and Pakistan, leading many tourism operators to report a staggering cancellation rate for trips.
Kashmir, which once saw an influx of around 23 million tourists last year, is now facing the potential collapse of its tourism-driven economy due to the rise in violence. Abu Bakr, a local politician, articulated the need for resilience and healing in his address to the community, reminding everyone that it was the locals who reached out to aid victims of the attack.
As investors reconsider their plans amidst the worsening security situation, the anticipated inauguration of the world’s highest single-arch rail bridge, designed to link the Kashmir valley with the rest of India, now faces uncertainty. Local investors fear that the sense of instability may deter future economic growth.
Amid the grief for the victims, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound sorrow and hopelessness, recognizing the challenge of ensuring safety for visitors while regretting the unavoidable tragedy. The event has reignited fears for Kashmir’s stability and tourism viability, prompting locals and government officials alike to call for collective support to restore peace and prosperity.
