A tragic attack took place in the picturesque town of Pahalgam, located in the India-administered region of Kashmir. Gunmen shot a group of tourists, leading to the death of 26 people and leaving several others injured. This incident has shaken the nation and raised concerns about the safety of travellers in the region.
Kashmir has experienced a significant revival in tourism in recent years, particularly following the government’s efforts to enhance security and infrastructure. The region had witnessed a steady increase in tourist arrivals. In 2023, 2,11,80,011 tourists visited Kashmir, more than the previous year, 2022, which saw 1,88,84,317 tourists.
The attack in Pahalgam has not only cast a shadow over the region’s security but also raised questions about the sustainability of Kashmir’s growing tourism sector. The tragic loss of lives has already led to the cancellation of bookings, and airlines are running additional return flights from Kashmir’s main city, Srinagar.
Tourism is the backbone of the Kashmir Valley and has been heavily promoted by the government through direct trains and flights to Srinagar.
Following the news, Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman both cut short their separate overseas trips. Mr Modi held a meeting with his top lieutenants at the airport upon his return.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, which both fully claim.
Strong Measures Against Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack
India takes strong measures following the Pahalgam terror attack. These include –
- Suspending the Indus Water Treaty.
- Closing Integrated Check Post Attari.
- Pakistani nationals will not be permitted into India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas.
- A Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.
- Defence/Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and have been given one week to leave India.
India is boosting tourism by promoting its diverse cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and unique experiences across the country. With improved infrastructure, hospitality, and connectivity, the government aims to attract both domestic and international tourists, positioning the country as a global travel hub.
