Pahalgam, May 22: A month after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 lives, the region’s once-thriving tourism industry is facing an unprecedented downturn. The aftermath of the attack has led to a dramatic drop in tourist arrivals, leaving thousands of locals who depend on tourism for their livelihoods in deep distress.
Residents of Pahalgam, revealed that business activity has dropped by more than 95 percent. Many individuals who relied on the steady influx of visitors—hoteliers, cab drivers, pony handlers and artisans—are now struggling to make ends meet.
Prior to the attack, Pahalgam was bustling with around 15,000 tourists each day, creating a vibrant atmosphere and supporting a broad network of local businesses. However, since the incident, only about 2 percent of the usual number of tourists are visiting, according to those involved in the tourism sector. This sharp decline has resulted in severe economic hardship for the community.
Hotel owners report a near-total collapse in occupancy rates. Yawar Lone, a local hotelier, recounted how guests hurriedly checked out after the attack and that future bookings were cancelled en masse. Uzair Ahmad, another hotelier, said that before the attack, hotels were fully booked through June, but almost all reservations have now been withdrawn.
“Last year, this month was so busy that even local tourists had trouble finding rooms and often slept in parks,” Ahmad recalled. “We expected this year to be even better, but the attack has shattered all our hopes. Now, even local tourists are staying away for reasons we don’t understand.”
The ripple effect has been devastating for other sectors as well. Around 1,500 cab drivers in Pahalgam have been left without work. Basharat Ahmad, a cab driver, explained that many drivers had taken out loans to buy their vehicles and are now unable to pay their monthly installments due to the lack of passengers.
Similarly, approximately 3,000 pony owners across nine villages have lost their primary source of income. Aadil Ahmad, a pony owner, shared that he used to earn about Rs 1,000 daily, which supported his family and children’s education. “In the last month, I haven’t earned a single rupee. Even during winter, pony owners could make some money, but now everything has come to a halt,” he lamented.
An official, said that the estimate of financial losses run into thousands of crores, as nearly all bookings have been cancelled. “Beyond the tragic loss of life, the livelihoods of thousands who depend on tourism have been severely impacted,” the official said, warning that the effects may persist for some time as the outlook for tourism revival remains uncertain.
The official added that the government is actively working to restore confidence and revive the tourism sector in Pahalgam, but so far, these efforts have not produced significant results.
A Call for Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism
The devastating impact of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam stands as a stark reminder that terrorism brings nothing but suffering and loss to the people of Kashmir. The region, renowned for its hospitality and natural beauty, has seen its main source of livelihood evaporate almost overnight. The flow of tourists, which once filled hotels, supported families and drove the local economy, has all but stopped.
It is crucial for every Kashmiri to recognize that tolerating or remaining silent about terrorism only serves to deepen the crisis. The loss of livelihoods, the closure of businesses, and the despair among thousands of families are direct consequences of such violence. By rejecting and standing united against terrorism, the people of Kashmir can help restore peace and rebuild the trust that is essential for the return of tourists and the revival of the valley’s economy.
The tragedy in Pahalgam is not just a loss for the victims’ families but for the entire community. Only by fostering an environment of peace and safety can Kashmir hope to once again welcome visitors from across the world and restore prosperity to its people.
