- The Baisaran, Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 28 innocent tourists while they were blissfully holidaying in the region has made every Indians blood boil with unbridled grief overtaking them for such a heinous, dastardly, and cowardly act. When the long-troubled J&K region was witnessing much-awaited return of normalcy with the lifeline of the region’s tourism making palpable gains in the last couple of years, the terrorist attack on the holidaymakers must have come as a rude shock to the local people as well. The spontaneous condemnation by the Kashmiris in such unambiguous ways must have warmed the cockles of the Union and the State governments alike. The cross-border perpetrators must be fidgeting with uneasiness regarding the outcome.
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PC: Business Standard
- The whole of J&K joining the nation in condemning the terrorist attack amply demonstrates how the locals wish to continue to have a normal life in line with the mainstream. As you are aware, the Union Government has initiated a slew of measures to send across a strong message to the neighbouring country. Diplomatic pressure is being built with many countries expressing solidarity with the nation’s resolve to fight terrorism. Apart from whatever moves the Union Government deems fit to initiate, saving this tourist season is also one of the most apt replies the government can give terrorists and their masters across the border. Mind you, terror attacks had reduced to about a third from their peak in 2018. And then, Pahalgam happened.
PC: The Kashmir Monitor
- No part of India should remain disturbed, especially a large frontier region facing a hostile neighbour. J&K looked more normal than it has in decades. Tax revenues had more than doubled in the same period. Investment in the eight years from 2014 to 2021 had never touched Rs.900cr. But in 2022-23, it crossed Rs.2,150cr, and likely reached Rs.5,000cr last fiscal. Along the way, J&K also got a democratically elected government. As PM said recently, democracy was getting stronger…people’s income was increasing, new opportunities were being created. Sadly, Pahalgam has cast a cloud over the future. Reports say 60-90% of tourist bookings across Kashmir have been cancelled. A hotel association has claimed 13L cancellations for Aug alone.
PC: The Hindu
- While tourism certainly is not the main meter of normalcy for most states, it matters a lot in J&K. It is one of the UT’s biggest industries, accounting for roughly 8.5% of income. Drill down, and its significance for Kashmir becomes apparent. During 2021-24, tourist arrivals in the Jammu region grew about 90%, but in Kashmir they jumped 425% – from 6.7L to 35L. A massive vote of confidence for Kashmir from the rest of India. Also, from foreign tourists, the numbers grew from just 1,614 in 2021 to 43,654 last year. The governments must make all out effort to rebuild confidence in security arrangements, minus the overreach that inconveniences ordinary people, to ensure tourists will follow sooner than later. This will be a fitting reply to the terrorist backers.
