Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in Indian-administered Kashmir, has turned from a lively destination to a deserted town in just a day. On Tuesday, a tragic attack claimed the lives of at least 26 people, marking the deadliest assault in the region in 25 years. The attack, carried out by suspected rebels, has raised alarms about rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
The group behind the violence, known as The Resistance Front (TRF), has emerged in Kashmir since 2019. Traditionally, rebels have avoided targeting tourists, but this incident has shattered that norm. The picturesque town, which usually welcomes millions of visitors each year, is now eerily quiet. Hotels and shops are shuttered, and locals fear for their livelihoods.
Mushtaq Ahmad, a restaurant owner, shared his disbelief. Just the day before, he was busy serving customers. Now, he has closed his restaurant and worries that the tourism industry may never recover. Another hotelier, Arshad Ahmad, had all his rooms booked for the upcoming month, but his guests left in fear after the attack.
Among the victims was Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony rider who died while trying to protect tourists. His brother recounted how Adil confronted the attackers in a bid to save others. The community mourns his loss, with many locals expressing their heartbreak over the attack and its implications for the tourism industry.
In the aftermath, tourists have been fleeing Kashmir in large numbers. Travelers, frightened by the violence, have rushed to airports, with many canceling their plans. Himani Sharma, a tourist from Haryana, shared her fear as she hurried to leave with her family. The Indian government has responded with an advisory for airlines to assist tourists, waiving fees for cancellations and rescheduling.
The attack has also led to heightened security measures, including the suspension of a key water-sharing treaty and the closure of a border crossing with Pakistan. The situation was worsened by landslides that had already disrupted travel in the region.
Local residents, many of whom depend on tourism for their income, are feeling the impact. Taxi driver Gulzar Ahmad Wani, who usually makes good money transporting tourists, has seen all his bookings canceled. He likened the attack’s effect on the tourism season to pouring poison into a well-prepared meal.
Tourism in Kashmir had been recovering after a significant decline following the revocation of the region’s special status in 2019. In 2024, over 3.5 million tourists visited, with expectations for even more this year. However, the recent attack has cast a shadow over the future of tourism in the region.
The local economy, while heavily reliant on agriculture, also benefits from tourism. Economic experts warn that the attack could deter investment in the region. While tourism contributes to the GDP, its impact on the overall economy is limited.
As Pahalgam grapples with the fallout from this tragic event, the sense of loss is palpable. Locals are anxious about their future, and many are left wondering how they will recover from this devastating blow to their community and livelihood.