Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 16: The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has dampened the tourism sector in the Kashmir Valley, leaving local traders and vendors in Lethpora and Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district struggling to survive.
The small-scale traders who depend heavily on visiting tourists, especially those selling dry fruits, saffron and the renowned Kashmiri Kehwa, are now facing a severe decline in customers and income.
The once-bustling Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, where tourists traditionally stopped to enjoy a warm cup of Kehwa or purchase local produce, is now eerily deserted. Peak season trading, which usually brings lively activity and prosperity, has abruptly turned into a period of silence and mounting concern.
“We’re barely making even one per cent of what we used to sell before the attack,” lamented Manzoor Ahmad, a dry fruit stall owner in Lethpora. “There used to be dozens of tourist vehicles stopping here daily. People loved our Kehwa and bought it in bulk. Now, hardly anyone slows down or stops.”
Shabir Lone, who runs a Kehwa stall near Pampore, expressed similar worries. “The attack has not only instilled immediate fear but has also shattered tourist confidence. Even those who had already booked their travel plans are cancelling. Nobody feels safe coming here anymore,” he said with a worried look.
The economic repercussions are compounded by the emotional toll on these people. For many vendors, this seasonal income is their primary livelihood. “We have children to feed, loans to repay, and no savings to fall back on,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a saffron seller. “If this situation persists, we may be forced to shut down our stalls permanently.”
This attack has also reignited fears that even a single incident can undo months of efforts to rebuild Kashmir’s tourism industry, which has been gradually recovering from years of turmoil and disruption.
Shopkeepers and vendors are now calling on the government to take immediate action, not only to enhance security but also to actively restore tourists’ confidence in visiting Kashmir. They have appealed for relief measures, including financial aid, and long-term support plans to help sustain their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, local trader associations are urging the authorities to implement confidence-building initiatives such as increased patrols, community outreach, and media campaigns to assure tourists of their safety.
“Our message to the government is clear: Help us survive. Help us bring tourists back,” said one vendor, voicing the collective plea of dozens affected by the downturn.
