Tourists Show Resilience After Deadly Pahalgam Terror Attack That Killed 26 in Jammu and Kashmir
In a tragic turn of events, one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama strike has left the nation shocked and mourning. On Tuesday, a gruesome terrorist assault at Baisaran in Pahalgam, a scenic location in Anantnag district often referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’ for its picturesque meadows, claimed the lives of 26 people, including six from Maharashtra. This attack comes at a time when the region was witnessing a surge in tourist activity, marking the start of the trekking and travel season.
The Resistance Front, a shadow outfit linked to the banned Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for this horrific attack. Survivors reported chilling accounts, including claims that the assailants asked the religion of the victims before executing them. The site, accessible only on foot or by pony, turned into a scene of bloodshed and chaos, triggering panic across the Valley and among tourists nationwide.
Despite the terror and chaos, stories of courage, compassion, and resilience emerged. Two women from Maharashtra, who were among the tourists in the area, refused to leave Kashmir with bitterness or fear. They chose instead to focus on the humanity and kindness they experienced from local residents. One of the women expressed unwavering faith in the locals, stating, “We are leaving Pahalgam but we are not leaving Kashmir.” She recounted how their driver, who had been with them from the beginning of their trip, prioritized their safety over his own, emphasizing that he never asked for their religion and continued to support them even after the attack.
The second woman echoed similar sentiments, praising the hospitality and warmth shown by the Kashmiri people, stating, “They have earned our trust. They have always helped us.” Their words highlight the deep sense of community and empathy that continues to exist even amidst such horrific circumstances.
Meanwhile, security has been ramped up across the Valley, especially in tourist hotspots like Srinagar and Dal Lake, which are now under high alert. Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday night and met with the families of the victims and other survivors on Wednesday. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined forces with local police to probe the incident, and sketches of three suspects believed to be involved have been released to the public.
The devastating attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of tourists and the future of Kashmir’s tourism industry, a vital lifeline for the local economy. Industry insiders have already reported a steep decline in travel confidence. According to Cleartrip Chief Growth and Business Officer Manjari Singhal, there has been a sevenfold spike in flight cancellations and a nearly 40 percent drop in forward bookings. These figures reflect the immediate fallout on the region’s travel and hospitality sector, which had just begun to recover post-pandemic.
In a move to provide relief to affected travelers, EaseMyTrip has announced free change and cancellation waivers for bookings made on or before April 22, applicable for travel up to April 30. EaseMyTrip Chairman and Founder Nishant Pitti reaffirmed the company’s commitment to minimizing inconvenience and supporting travelers during this difficult time.
While the fear instilled by this act of terrorism is undeniable, the response from both local residents and tourists shows a remarkable strength of spirit. As the investigation continues and the region begins to heal, the courage of those choosing not to give in to fear offers a powerful message of resilience and hope.
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