NATIONAL: Terror Attack Cripples Pahalgam Livelihoods for Months
Tourism Collapse After Massacre
Pahalgam, a scenic town in South Kashmir, remains gripped by fear and economic paralysis following the April 22 terror attack that left 26 people dead, including 25 tourists and a local pony handler. The brutal shooting in Baisaran Valley has caused a near-total collapse of the local tourism industry, with visitor footfall dwindling to an unprecedented low.
Livelihoods in Ruins
Before the attack, thousands of tourists would visit Pahalgam daily, sustaining the local economy. Stakeholders such as hotel staff, cab drivers, ponywalas, roadside vendors, and shopkeepers have been left jobless.
“We haven’t earned a penny since that day,” said shopkeeper Mohammad Irshad. Pony handler Sabzar Ahmed added, “This tragedy does not reflect who we are. We are welcoming people with deep respect for our guests.”
Amarnath Yatra Seen as Lifeline
With business at a standstill, the local community now looks to the upcoming Amarnath Yatra — set to commence on July 3 — as a beacon of hope.
Security for the pilgrimage has been significantly heightened to restore confidence among devotees and stakeholders alike. Authorities are confident that religious tourism will help stabilize the region’s economy.
Attackers Still at Large
Despite multiple counter-terror operations post-attack, the assailants responsible for the April massacre remain absconding. Officials estimate that four to six terrorists were involved in the indiscriminate firing.
A senior police official confirmed that a “coordinated, relentless” search is underway to apprehend them soon.
Security Operations Widened
Since the attack, security agencies have detained and interrogated thousands of suspects across Kashmir. Around 100 individuals — many with past links to terror outfits — have been booked under the Public Safety Act and sent to various prisons.
The crackdown underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, while also aiming to deter future attacks.
Voices From the Ground
Tour operator Nasir Ahmed reflected on the gravity of the situation: “Even during the peak of insurgency in the 1990s, Pahalgam never felt so deserted. Even locals have stopped visiting.”
Residents call for swift justice, renewed tourist confidence, and immediate government relief measures to aid recovery.