Pahalgam attack impact on tourism: Once a vibrant hub for tourism, Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam has fallen silent in the wake of the deadly April 22 terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The barbaric incident that took place at the scenic Baisaran meadow has left the local tourism-dependent economy shattered. The hotel’s owners, workers, guides, and transporters are staring at the uncertain future.
Locals struggle with uncertainty
For many locals, the attack reflects more than just a tragic incident, as it is also a threat to their survival. A veteran chef who has experience of working in Pahalgam for three decades stated, ”I’ve never seen anything like this. My entire livelihood depends on tourists. This season had just picked up, and hotels were full. Now the loss will run into billions. I have nothing to fall back on,” as quoted by ANI.
Another chef who has also worked for 25 years also echoed similar pain. ”People here are poor. Many took out loans ahead of the season. This attack has brought everything to a halt,” he mentioned, urging that such violence never return to the region. With cancellations escalating and businesses shutting down temporarily, the ripple effect of this tragedy will take many years to recover.
India takes stern action against Pakistan
In response to the attack, India has launched a series of stringent diplomatic actions against Pakistan. At a high-level meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee on Security has decided to suspend the Indus Water Treaty 1960, has expelled Pakistani diplomats and has reduced the number of staff at both nations’ high commissions.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also declared the shutdown of the Attari check post and the cancellation of all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) entries. The message from New Delhi is clear that cross border terror will not go unanswered.
(With inputs from ANI)