A week after a devastating militant attack near the mountain resort of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, the region is slowly showing signs of reviving, although a complete return to normalcy could take years. The main street, previously abandoned by visitors with shuttered shops and empty hotels, now sees small numbers of tourists. The attack, which occurred last Tuesday, claimed the lives of 26 people and was one of the deadliest in recent years.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen significantly since the incident, with both sides taking retaliatory measures. Tourists and local businesses are apprehensive about future safety in the area known for militant activities since 1989. However, some tourists and locals are trying to stay resilient, with calls to continue visiting the area to support the local economy.
Despite the resilience, there is concern over the potential long-term impact on the local economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism. The area is also preparing for the inauguration of the world’s highest single-arch rail bridge, which could connect the Kashmir valley with the rest of India. However, the timeline for this project now seems uncertain due to the recent violence.
There are fears that business investments in the region could slow due to security concerns. The disastrous event has reignited discussions on the safety of tourists in a region often referred to as the “Switzerland of India.”
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn80k0ven13o
