Jahangeer Ganaie
Pahalgam, Jun 4: Even 43 days after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead, this picturesque town in south Kashmir continues to reel under its impact.
According to the details available, the terror attack has left the hundreds of people associated with the tourism industry jobless.
“Not a single person here has earned a penny in weeks. Some haven’t made even 10 rupees in over a month,” a local said.
Stakeholders—including horsemen, hoteliers, drivers, and shopkeepers— have urged the administration to reopen parks and gardens in the area as the poorest of the poor are bearing the brunt of the prolonged shutdown.
The once-bustling tourist destination has been eerily silent following the terror attack at Baisaran Valley, nearly 6 kms from main Pahalgam town.
The stakeholders said that the terror attack led to widespread cancellations of travel plans by visitors and the subsequent closure of major tourist attractions like Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari.
“The situation, marked by uncertainty and heightened security, has pushed the region’s vital tourism economy to the brink,” they said.
Several stakeholders appealed to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene. “Everything is closed. The entire Pahalgam is shut. There’s silence everywhere. We urge the LG and CM to help us to revive tourism,” said a local shopkeeper.
Locals said that the situation has remained unchanged since the day of the attack. “A few tourists do arrive—maybe 200 to 400 a day—but they are confined to their hotels and sent back early in the morning. They are not allowed to visit any spots ,” said a hotel owner.
The community expressed particular concern for daily wage earners such as horsemen and drivers who are now completely out of work. “These people live hand-to-mouth. Without tourist activity, they have nothing,” said a horseman. “Even scenic spots like Shikargah and Kolahoi, where horse riding was a major draw, have been shut.”
Locals recalled that during a recent cabinet meeting held in Pahalgam, which was chaired by the Chief Minister and attended by senior officials they were assured that Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari, and other closed areas would be reopened within two days. However, no such reopening has occurred. (KNO)
