In the wake of a recent terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians in the tranquil meadows of Pahalgam, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken precautionary steps by closing down over 48 resorts and restricting access to several prominent tourist locations across the Union Territory.
Popular destinations like Doodhpatri in Budgam and Verinag in Anantnag have been declared off-limits to tourists. The move, aimed at ensuring public safety, has cast a shadow over the region’s tourism sector—an essential economic pillar for countless locals.
Once bustling with visitors, the town of Pahalgam now wears a deserted look. The incident has triggered a wave of panic among travellers, leading to mass cancellations and a steady exodus of tourists.
Locals, heavily dependent on tourism for their livelihoods, are grappling with the emotional and financial aftermath. Community members have staged widespread demonstrations, condemning the violence and standing in solidarity with the victims.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has voiced strong opposition to terrorism, emphasizing the collective outrage shown by the people of the region. In a stirring speech at a special session of the assembly, he said, “From Kathua to Kupwara, there is no town or village where people did not protest against this. They said, ‘Not in my name’. And this is spontaneous.”
Highlighting the unprecedented public response, he added, “This is the first time in over two decades that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have come out on the streets in such huge numbers to protest against a terror attack.”
Abdullah made it clear that he would not exploit this tragedy to push for statehood, stating that his politics is not “cheap.” He also expressed deep sorrow, saying he had no words to console the grieving families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the sentiment, vowing that the perpetrators of the attack would be brought to justice. He assured the nation that Indian forces would relentlessly pursue those responsible, declaring they would be hunted down “to the ends of the earth.”
