Tourists Flee Jammu and Kashmir After Deadly Terror Attack in Pahalgam

Tourists Flee Jammu and Kashmir After Deadly Terror Attack in PahalgamOn April 22, 2025, the serene meadows of Baisaran in Pahalgam, often dubbed "Mini Switzerland" for its breathtaking landscapes, became the site of one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. The attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured 17 others, has shattered the region's burgeoning tourism industry and triggered a mass exodus of visitors. The incident, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has not only sparked fear among tourists but also reignited geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. This tragic event has cast a long shadow over the region's fragile peace and its aspirations to become a global tourism hotspot.The Attack: A Shocking Blow to Kashmir’s Tourism RevivalPahalgam, nestled in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, has long been a favorite destination for honeymooners, families, and adventure seekers. Its rolling meadows, snow-capped peaks, and tranquil rivers draw millions annually, with 2024 seeing a record 3.5 million visitors. The region’s tourism sector had been on an upward trajectory since the Indian government revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, a move that Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed brought stability and development. The relative calm in recent years had fueled optimism, with new resorts and infrastructure projects signaling a bright future.However, the attack on April 22 abruptly ended this narrative of progress. Gunmen, emerging from a nearby forest, opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran meadow, targeting men specifically after segregating them from women and children. The victims included 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with some reports indicating two foreign nationals among the deceased. The brutality of the attack, described by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as a "senseless and shocking act of violence," sent shockwaves across India and the world. Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with India and mourning the loss of "newlyweds, children, and families simply seeking joy."The Exodus: A Tourism Industry in CrisisThe immediate aftermath of the attack saw Pahalgam transform from a bustling tourist hub into a ghost town. Over 90% of the region’s 20,000 hotel rooms emptied within 24 hours, with cancellations flooding in at an unprecedented rate. Tour operators reported an 80% drop in bookings, and airlines scrambled to organize additional flights to accommodate the fleeing visitors. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the exodus as "heartbreaking," acknowledging the fear driving tourists away while emphasizing efforts to ensure their safe departure. The Ministry of Civil Aviation worked to prevent surge pricing, and the National Highway-44 between Srinagar and Jammu was reconfigured to facilitate outbound traffic.Tourists, many of whom had come to escape the sweltering heat of India’s plains, were seen cramming into buses and taxis, their plans cut short by the tragedy. "I decided to cut short my 10-day trip after the attack," said Sachin Khandelwal, a tourist quoted by The Hindu. At Srinagar airport, scenes of chaos unfolded as visitors waited anxiously for flights, their bags packed with belongings and memories tainted by fear. Hoteliers, like Abdul Salam of Hotel Mount View in Pahalgam, lamented the sudden collapse of business, noting that bookings had been sold out for months prior to the attack. "This tragedy will paralyze business in Kashmir," Salam told AFP.Geopolitical Fallout: India-Pakistan Tensions EscalateThe attack has also intensified diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, both of whom claim Kashmir and administer separate parts of the disputed region. India swiftly downgraded ties with Pakistan, closing the main border crossing and expelling Pakistani diplomats. The Indian government summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’affaires in Delhi, handing over a note declaring military diplomats Persona Non Grata. Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, signaling a robust response to what India views as Pakistan-backed terrorism.Pakistan, while condemning the loss of lives, denied accusations of supporting militant violence, asserting that it only provides moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri insurgency. The Resistance Front’s claim of responsibility, however, has fueled India’s narrative that Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba are orchestrating attacks to destabilize the region. The TRF, formed in 2019 after the revocation of Article 370, has been designated a terrorist organization by India for its role in recruitment, weapons smuggling, and attacks on civilians and security forces.The Human Toll and Global CondemnationThe human cost of the attack is staggering. Families of the victims, many of whom were tourists from states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, received the bodies in Srinagar amidst scenes of profound grief. The attack’s timing, during the peak tourist season, amplified its impact, targeting a region that had begun to symbolize hope and normalcy. Global leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Israel’s Saar, condemned the attack, with the US issuing a travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, urging its citizens to avoid the region.Despite the fear, some tourists displayed resilience. Two women from Maharashtra, quoted by NDTV, refused to leave Kashmir, citing the hospitality of local residents. "We trust the local residents here. They have earned our trust," one said, highlighting the complex relationship between Kashmiris and the tourism industry, which many locals rely on for their livelihoods.The Road Ahead: Challenges for Kashmir’s TourismThe Pahalgam attack has dealt a severe blow to Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry, which had been a cornerstone of the region’s economy. Experts warn that the incident could derail investment momentum and deter visitors for months, if not years. The upcoming Amarnath Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage, faces uncertainty, with the All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association predicting adverse impacts. Security forces have launched a manhunt for the attackers, with military helicopters scouring the region’s forested hills, but the psychological scars left by the attack will take far longer to heal.For now, Kashmir’s tourism industry faces an uphill battle to restore confidence. The region’s history of hospitality, as local lawmaker Sajjad Lone noted, is at odds with the actions of "cowardly terrorists" seeking to disrupt its progress. As the world watches, the resilience of Kashmiris and the response of the Indian government will determine whether this Himalayan paradise can reclaim its status as a haven for travelers.