A week after a militant attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead, the town is slowly seeing tourists return, albeit with apprehension. Local businesses are struggling, and tensions between India and Pakistan are escalating, casting doubt on the region's stability and the future of its tourism industry.
Unease in Pahalgam: Tourists Return as Kashmir Faces Rising Tensions
Unease in Pahalgam: Tourists Return as Kashmir Faces Rising Tensions
In the aftermath of a deadly attack, the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam cautiously welcomes a slow return of visitors, amid fears for the future of tourism and local livelihoods.
One week after a violent militant assault killed 26 people near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, the region depicts a haunting sense of calm, with only a trickle of tourists beginning to return. The local high street, once bustling with visitors, was eerily quiet as shops closed down and hotels sat empty in the wake of the tragedy.
The attack, which occurred last Tuesday, saw militants target tourists in the picturesque Baisaran meadow—an area often referred to as the "Switzerland of India." It has been described as one of the deadliest incidents in recent years, sparking fury and sorrow across the nation. Since then, hostilities between India and Pakistan, both of which lay claim to Kashmir, have escalated, prompting each country to announce response measures.
Amid these tensions, the Jammu and Kashmir government has temporarily closed over half of the region's tourist spots, conducting security reviews and search operations. While violence is commonplace in this long-troubled region, the targeting of tourists has shocked both locals and visitors alike, raising fears that the tourism-driven economy could suffer lasting damage.
Tourists who remain in Pahalgam express their concerns regarding safety. Akshay Solanki from Mumbai shared that the day of the attack was marked by panic among his group, yet they chose to stay due to rising flight costs. Some tourists have found reassurance from locals and security forces, prompting a cautious return to sightseeing.
“Don’t shy away from visiting Pahalgam,” urged Bollywood actor Atul Kulkarni, who visited shortly after the attack, calling on tourists to counter the militants’ message of intimidation. However, uncertainty hangs heavily over the town, with local business proprietors expressing despair for their futures. Shawl seller Rafi Ahmed lamented the dramatic dip in sales, worrying that if tourism continues to dwindle, many livelihoods will be permanently altered.
In a climate of fear, the cancellation rate for trips from major cities like Pune and Mumbai has surged, with reports indicating up to 90% of bookings are being called off. Abhishek Sansare, a Mumbai-based tour operator, stated that many travelers are rescheduling for fear of conflict.
The repercussions of this attack extend beyond immediate safety concerns, affecting potential developments in the region. A significant rail project aimed at enhancing connectivity across India now faces uncertainty in its timeline due to the changed security landscape.
As grief continues to envelop the families of victims, local leaders express profound sorrow and a desire to reassure the traveling public. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered emotional tributes to those lost, sharing the stark reality of families forever changed by the tragedy.
The latest attack has cast new doubts over a region that seemed to be gradually recovering from many years of unrest, undermining the optimistic outlook that had accompanied rising tourist numbers in recent years. With locals calling for compassion and reconciliation, the long road to recovery for Pahalgam and its tourism-heavy economy remains fraught with challenges.
