‘We Were Here To Enjoy, But…’: Pahalgam Terror Attack Devastates J&K Tourism Industry | File Pic
Srinagar: Pahalgam, once a serene haven for holidaymakers, turned into a zone of grief and chaos as a terrorist attack on Tuesday at Baisaran meadows in Anantnag district claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The massacre, one of the most brutal civilian attacks in recent memory, has triggered a mass exodus from the Kashmir Valley, paralysing its booming tourism sector overnight.
About The Attack
The attack, reportedly carried out after confirming the victims’ religious identity, sent shockwaves through the Valley. Tourists, many still in disbelief, have begun cutting short their itineraries. Panic gripped Srinagar Airport on Wednesday, with long queues of frightened travellers scrambling for any available ticket out.
A Tourist From Delhi Sums Up The Mood
Sameer Bharadwaj, a tourist from Delhi, summed up the mood: “We were here to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir, but what happened in Pahalgam has shaken us to the core. We’re heading home immediately.”
With the tourism season at its peak, the repercussions are severe. Hoteliers, houseboat owners, and travel agents across Kashmir are facing mass cancellations. Fayaz Ahmad, a hotelier in Srinagar, said guests were confined to rooms, and those who had planned upcoming visits had started demanding refunds. “We’ve never seen this level of fear,” he lamented.
Travel Agencies Report Cancellation Of Rates
Travel agencies in Delhi and Kolkata reported cancellation rates as high as 90 percent. Airfares from Srinagar to Delhi shot up to ₹30,000, prompting the Civil Aviation Ministry to cap prices and arrange additional flights. Railways, too, have deployed special trains from Katra to New Delhi to aid the rush of departing visitors.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah Describes The Exodus As “Heartbreaking”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the exodus as “heartbreaking,” calling an emergency cabinet meeting to assess the economic fallout. The Union Tourism Ministry is in constant touch with local authorities, pledging support to revive the sector. Despite assurances, industry insiders fear long-term damage.
“This attack has undone years of hard-won trust,” said Bilolaksha Das of the Travel Agents Federation of India. While authorities promise safety and recovery, the Valley’s biggest industry — and its fragile peace — hang in the balance. As Kashmir mourns its guests, it also braces for a harsh tourist drought that could devastate thousands of livelihoods.
