A week after a deadly militant attack near the picturesque mountain resort of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir left 26 people dead, the town is cautiously stirring back to life. Once bustling with visitors, the main high street had fallen silent shops shuttered, hotels emptied, and locals reeling from the shock. Now, as a few tourists begin to return, a fragile mix of hope and fear hangs in the air.
The June attack, which targeted tourists visiting Baisaran known as the “Switzerland of India” has deeply shaken the community. In a region already marred by decades of insurgency, this rare assault on civilians has sparked widespread outrage across India and raised fears of renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan.
Tourism is vital to Pahalgam’s economy. Locals like Rafi Ahmed, a shawl-seller, are now worried about long-term impacts on livelihoods. “I sold only a few shawls in days. If tourists stop coming, we won’t survive,” he said. The attack has led to mass cancellations, with tour operators estimating 80-90% of bookings scrapped, especially from cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru.
Despite the fear, some are determined to press on. Tourists like Akshay Solanki from Mumbai decided to stay due to high flight prices, while Bollywood actor Atul Kulkarni urged others not to abandon Kashmir, saying, “Cancel other plans, not your trip to Kashmir.”
Indian authorities have since launched major combing operations, detaining hundreds. Tensions with Pakistan have also flared, raising concerns of further instability. These developments now threaten to delay the opening of key infrastructure projects, such as the much-anticipated rail bridge connecting Kashmir to the rest of India.
Local leaders, including Omar Abdullah, expressed profound sorrow for the victims. In an emotional address, he admitted the government failed to ensure the safety of those who came on his invitation.
As Kashmir walks a tightrope between recovery and relapse, residents plead for empathy and for visitors to return, not just for leisure, but as a stand against fear.
