In less than 48 hours after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 tourists and one local resident, Kashmir’s bustling tourism sector has come to a standstill. Flights to Srinagar are flying empty, while outgoing ones are packed with frightened visitors fleeing the Valley.
The attack, described as the deadliest since Pulwama, has triggered widespread protests, a rare complete shutdown across Kashmir, and visible sorrow from the very people whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
Valley of Silence: Dal Lake Deserted, Shikaras Abandoned
Once crowded with eager tourists, Dal Lake now lies eerily silent. The iconic shikaras, which saw high demand just days ago, are moored in still waters—waiting in vain. Local traders and hotel owners say the attack has turned the clock back, reversing years of progress since the dark days of militancy.
Also Read: ‘India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist’, says PM Modi in Bihar amidst Pahalgam terror attack
Kashmir Unites in Protest: “Hindustan Zindabad” Echoes Across Valley
For the first time in 35 years, Kashmir observed a total shutdown, with loudspeakers from mosques urging public participation in mass protests. Shops and markets remained closed in Pahalgam, while hotel owners and traders marched through the streets shouting “Hindustan Zindabad” and “I am Indian”.
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One hotelier, Asif Burza, called the incident a “crime against humanity” and added: “It is not about tourism, it is not about economy, our head hangs in shame.” He pledged free accommodation for stranded tourists for 15 days, emphasizing that the local population shares the grief of the victims’ families: “We are only thinking about those families.”
Local Artisans Mourn and Resist
Renowned Jamawar patchwork artist and Padma Shri awardee Ghulam Rasool Khan condemned the attack and called for accountability. “The people here depend completely on tourism. That is the source of livelihood,” he told NDTV. Khan urged authorities to act decisively: “Otherwise, after a point, everything is silent and something else happens.”
“We Are With the Army”: Locals Offer Support in Manhunt
In scenes rarely witnessed in the conflict-ridden region, protestors declared full support for the Indian Army. “We will not tolerate this. We are hurt at our core. We are human beings. This is not about money, not about business,” said one protestor, visibly shaken by the violence.
The solidarity protests are not just a reaction—they are a resounding rejection of terrorism. Kashmiris are sending a message: this attack has hurt the soul of the Valley, and the people stand united against those trying to derail peace and prosperity.
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