Kashmir tourism struggles six months after Pahalgam attack; fear and geopolitical tensions stall recovery despite increased security measures.
Tourists stay away from Pahalgam six months after the deadly attack, leaving Kashmir’s tourism industry in crisis (Photo: Pinterest)
SRINAGAR: Six months after the deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir’s tourism industry continues to reel under a deep crisis. On April 22, terrorists opened fire at Hindu pilgrims at the popular Baisaran tourist spot in Pahalgam, killing several and injuring many others. The attack, widely condemned across India, has had a chilling effect on the Valley’s once-booming tourism sector.
Following the Pahalgam massacre, the Government of India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The cross-border strike reportedly neutralized dozens of terror operatives, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. While the operation was hailed as a success in terms of national security, the tourism industry in Jammu & Kashmir continues to bear the brunt.
A senior tourism official admitted the challenge. "We've done everything from increasing security presence at key spots to launching campaigns in metro cities. But people are still scared. We hope the winter season brings some relief." Local business groups have urged the government for financial relief packages, saying the loss is running into crores. "This is not just an industry collapse it's a humanitarian crisis," said a member of the Tourism Stakeholders Association in Srinagar.
The impact of Operation Sindoor and its geopolitical fallout has also played a role in deterring international tourists and group travellers. With the Indo-Pak border heating up, foreign tour operators have suspended Kashmir itineraries altogether. Unless confidence among tourists is rebuilt and aggressive safety assurances are given, the road to recovery seems distant. For now, the silence in the valleys of Kashmir is not the kind that attracts visitors but the kind that echoes a deep economic and emotional loss.
