One Month of Pahalgam Attack: How the Town Is Coping
Pahalgam, a beautiful hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, has been struggling since a deadly terror attack on 22 April 2025 claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Once full of visitors and activity, the town now appears silent and empty.
Nadeem Ahmed, who works at a toll booth near the town, used to manage a high flow of vehicles daily. But since the attack in Baisaran, a meadow near Pahalgam, the number of tourists has dropped sharply. The place that used to welcome thousands of visitors now sees just a handful of cars.
Tourism is one of the most important parts of the local economy. In 2024, over 35 lakh people visited Jammu and Kashmir. This year, the numbers were expected to rise, but the attack has caused massive cancellations. Shops are shut, hotels are empty, and many people have lost their jobs. The usually crowded streets and markets now look deserted.
Popular tourist spots like Betaab Valley, Aru, and Baisaran are closed due to security reasons. Even famous landmarks like the Aishmuqam shrine, known for the song *Bhar Do Jholi Meri*, are without visitors.
Locals are deeply worried. Many had started converting their homes into guesthouses to earn during the tourist season. Now, they face uncertainty and financial stress. Hotel caretakers say they haven’t seen any bookings since the attack. Some remember past tragedies, such as the 1995 kidnapping of foreign tourists, fearing that the memories of violence may once again scare visitors away for a long time.
Tourism brings around ₹10,000 crore to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, with about 30 lakh people involved in this sector. The loss of income is affecting thousands of families.
Despite appeals from tourism leaders, the fear remains. Locals say that one season is not enough to heal from such a tragedy. They hope peace will return, but rebuilding trust among tourists will take time.
