Tourists Slowly Return to Pahalgam Amid Lingering Fear After Deadly Attack
Pahalgam, Kashmir – May 2025 – A week after militants killed 26 tourists in a brazen attack near Pahalgam, the scenic Kashmiri town is witnessing tentative signs of revival, even as fear and uncertainty continue to haunt visitors and locals alike.
A Town Struggling to Recover
The attack on April 22—one of the deadliest targeting tourists in decades—left Pahalgam’s bustling streets deserted. Now, a slow trickle of visitors has returned, though businesses fear long-term damage to the region’s tourism-dependent economy.
- Shops & Hotels: Many had shut down post-attack but are gradually reopening.
- Tourist Spots: A few visitors were seen at the famous “I Love Pahalgam” selfie point.
- Local Pleas: Drivers and shopkeepers are urging tourists not to abandon Kashmir.
📌 “Don’t cancel bookings—cancel other plans and come here,” urged Bollywood actor Atul Kulkarni, who visited to show solidarity.
Why Are Some Tourists Staying?
- Expensive Flights: Many couldn’t afford last-minute tickets home.
- Reassurance from Locals: Kashmiri residents helped victims after the attack, fostering some trust.
- Security Presence: Increased military patrols aim to restore confidence.
Economic Fallout
- 80-90% Bookings Cancelled: Tour operators report massive drop-offs.
- Investments at Risk: A major railway project (world’s highest rail bridge) faces delays.
- Long-Term Fear: Businesses worry about prolonged instability.
📌 “This attack is a blot on us. How we recover is a long-term concern,” said Rafi Ahmed Meer, a local politician.
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate
The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba), has worsened already strained ties:
- India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, threatening Pakistan’s water supply.
- Pakistan closed airspace to Indian flights and warned of stronger retaliation.
- Military Alert: Skirmishes reported along the Line of Control (LoC).
Will Tourism Rebound?
While some tourists brave the trip, full recovery may take years. As Omar Abdullah, Kashmir’s former chief minister, lamented:
“What do I say to the widow who lost her husband days after marriage? Or the children who saw their father drenched in blood?”
Key Takeaways
✔ Tourists returning, but cautiously
✔ Local economy in jeopardy
✔ Geopolitical tensions rising
✔ Long road to normalcy
📌 For live updates, follow BBC News.
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