Saturday, Apr 25, 2026 11:30 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Apr 25, 2026 05:58 [IST]
One year since one of the most gory episodes has passed, yet we still appear dormant after some ‘action’ in the name of those ‘Viranganas’ who unfortunately lost their husbands and close family members. Such sole breadwinners had to sacrifice their lives simply because they could or could not recite a line of the Kalma. The 40-year-old wife of a Bengaluru resident, family members of a 65-year-old brave and patient person from Thiruvananthapuram, and many others know how much grief they continue to endure and how much they have already coped with.
The latter had, in fact, taught his children and grandchildren to speak boldly and calmly. Ironically, such highly distressed family members were rescued and taken to safer places by local Kashmiris only. They were undoubtedly considered “brothers.”
Religion Factor
It is said that terrorists have no religion, but in the picturesque valley of Baisaran near Pahalgam, religion became the deciding factor. The kith and kin of those massacred, as well as the fortunate survivors, continue to feel the pain even after a lapse of one year, especially when asked to recount their grief and desperation. They deserve privacy.
Re-opening of Tourist Places May Be Premature
The Central and the U.T. Governments are now considering re-opening tourist spots with maximum footfall, rather than those easiest to reopen. The idea seems to be to remove fear from the minds of both local people and prospective tourists. It is learnt that the authorities do not wish to present a picture of callousness; hence, all care and calibration are to be ensured, especially with regard to tourists from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Since apprehension lingers, there may be plans to reopen places surrounding Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Doodhpatri to begin with.
The re-launching of the highly impressive Tulip Garden in Srinagar has undoubtedly boosted morale. But when tourism took a reverse gear, authorities felt that whoever ‘took the risk’ did so with one and a half hands tied behind their backs. Time is the best healer, and that seems to be working, albeit slowly.
The lingering effects of the tragedy will always remain, but fear regarding Jammu & Kashmir may also be influenced by the ongoing Iran–Israel–U.S.A. conflict. Additionally, the dwindling number of tourists in other countries at present is an issue to be noted. Equally significant are the felt shortages of LPG, CNG, POL, and a reduced workforce.
Wounds Yet to Heal
While the wounds of the families of the 26 unfortunate victims are yet to heal, residents of Pahalgam and other tourist spots openly blame the terrorists who mingled seamlessly to unleash terror and intimidation on the fateful afternoon of April 22 in the lush green landscape of Baisaran Valley.
A large number of people are still grappling with the after-effects of the tragedy during what would otherwise have been the peak tourist season. The dreams of pony riders, tea shop owners, taxi drivers, guides, and travel agents have either been shattered or are showing a downward trend. During peak season, a ponywala would earn an average of ?7,000 a day—sufficient to support his family for the next ten months. If micro players are suffering this way, one can imagine the impact on other crucial drivers of the state economy.
Lifeline Yet to Be Restored
Without doubt, the valley’s crucial lifeline has been temporarily disrupted. Barely 10% occupancy has been recorded in commercial accommodations in and around Pahalgam. Imagine the scale of losses, apart from the impact on migrant workers and helpers. According to estimates, against the usual 15,000 daily footfalls during peak season, barely 100 visitors are being recorded at present.
Those who aspired to send their wards outside Kashmir—to Delhi, Iran, the Middle East, and beyond—are now compelled to keep them within the suffocating confines of the state. Many feel destined to spend their lives trekking the mountains, with limited opportunities.
Amarnath Yatris Too May Face Difficulty
Service providers to the annual Amarnath Yatra are also expected to face a similar fate. Over the past year, scores of ponywalas, local residents, and tourist guides have been interrogated by teams from the National Investigation Agency and state police. This has inevitably affected morale. A statement from a tourist family from Kerala, appreciating the beauty of Pahalgam even in its present solitude, offers some reassurance.
But can we truly instill courage in Syed Haider Shah, whose 29-year-old ponywala son, Adil, was the only Kashmiri killed last year by the so-called Pakistani terrorists? After repairing and adding to his house using compensation from the Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra Governments, the reduced family of four had planned to move into their “new” home on April 22. Yet, the absence—and memory—of Adil will always haunt them.
Addition of Infrastructure
As far as infrastructure around popular spots such as Pahalgam or Baisaran Park is concerned, it is perhaps fortunate that no improved footpath or jeepable road was built over the past year. Otherwise, the exotic charm of the thick pine forests might have been lost forever. The same applies to areas such as Aru Valley, Chandanwari, and Betaab Valley. Tourists keen to visit Gulmarg and Sonmarg are still proceeding with their long-drawn itineraries.
To Sum Up
What happened to the Government’s decision to strike hard at terrorists across the border after fresh attempts to spread terror in the country? The Delhi blasts of November 10, 2025, have already occurred, killing 15 people and injuring over 24. But did we truly wake up and move closer to the international border in response?
Whoever takes the initiative, the wishes and aspirations of a poor Kashmiri—or any distressed Indian—deserve to be addressed on a top priority basis.
For the first time after the Pahalgam incident, the outrage of the common man was triggered on a massive scale. That sentiment must be acknowledged and given due credence.
