Photo credit: www.bbc.com

Recovery Efforts Begin in Pahalgam Following Deadly Attack

Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir

A week has passed since a tragic militant assault near Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. The town, once bustling with visitors, now exhibits an air of quiet desolation, though a small number of tourists have started to return.

The main thoroughfare, which was deserted just days ago with shuttered shops and vacant hotels, is experiencing signs of life again.

Last Tuesday, armed militants targeted tourists in Baisaran, a picturesque meadow located approximately three miles (5 km) from Pahalgam, frequently referred to as the “Switzerland of India.”

This incident stands as one of the most lethal attacks in recent years, inflicting deep emotional wounds on numerous families and igniting a wave of anger across India.

In the aftermath of the assault, tensions have surged between India and Pakistan, both of which lay claim to Kashmir but only manage portions of it. Each nation has since declared retaliatory actions against the other.

Speculation is rife regarding potential military responses from New Delhi.

While violence is not new to the region, where militants have frequently targeted security forces and civilians since the insurgency began in 1989, attacks on tourists are relatively rare and have profoundly unsettled both locals and visitors.

Tourism serves as a critical component of the economy in areas like Pahalgam, and there are real concerns that many local livelihoods may face irreparable harm.

At a popular viewpoint situated outside the town, overlooking vibrant meadows and a flowing river, Akshay Solanki, a tourist from Mumbai, described the “panic” experienced by his group on the day of the attack. Nevertheless, they resolved to proceed with their trip, citing soaring flight costs as the primary deterrent to going home.

Other visitors reported that assurances from local residents and law enforcement personnel provided them a sense of security. A local driver who transported tourists from Srinagar urged visitors not to “distance” themselves from Kashmir.

Rafi Ahmed, a shawl vendor, lamented a slow business week following the incident, expressing fears about the sustainability of his livelihood if visitor numbers continued to decline.

Bollywood actor Atul Kulkarni, who visited Pahalgam shortly after the attack, voiced encouragement for tourists to continue their plans. He stated that in response to such violence, more visitors should come to demonstrate resilience.

Local Recovery Efforts and Ongoing Uncertainty

While there are signs that tourists are gradually returning, local business owners and residents share concerns that a full recovery may take considerable time.

Indian authorities have initiated comprehensive operations in the area, leading to numerous detentions and the destruction of properties linked to alleged militants.

There have also been reports of sporadic gunfire along the India-Pakistan border, raising alarm among both tourists and business owners.

Indian officials often tout that Kashmir experienced a period of relative calm following the alteration of its autonomous status in 2019. As the Indian general elections in 2024 loom, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed this newfound “freedom” has spurred development in the region. Yet the recent violence has shattered hopes for lasting peace.

“This [attack] is a blot on us… How we wipe it off is a long-term concern,” stated Rafi Ahmed Meer, a local politician, stressing that it was the local Kashmiris who rose to assist the victims during the crisis.

Tour operators have reported a dramatic surge in trip cancellations, with figures suggesting that 80-90% of all bookings have been rescinded as tourists express uncertainty. Abhishek Sansare, a tour operator from Mumbai, noted that a pervasive feeling of impending conflict is causing confusion among travelers.

Furthermore, the attack’s impact may extend beyond immediate tourism. A significant project, the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge intended to connect Kashmir to the rest of India, faces delays in its inauguration due to security concerns.

Investments that were beginning to take root in the region may dwindle if hostilities continue. Ubair Shah, the owner of one of the largest cold storage facilities for fruits in Pulwama, emphasized that potential investors may hesitate until they feel a greater sense of security.

Local leaders have conveyed deep sympathy and support to the families affected by this tragedy. In a poignant address, Jammu and Kashmir’s chief minister and tourism minister Omar Abdullah honored the victims by reading their names in the assembly. He expressed his sorrow over the inability to guarantee safety for visitors who had come to Kashmir at his invitation.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack, the road to recovery appears daunting, but the resolve of local residents to revitalize Pahalgam remains strong.

Source
www.bbc.com