Pahalgam: One year after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed, the district in Jammu and Kashmir is slowly recovering from bitter memory. On April 22, 2025, terrorists attacked Baisaran plain in Pahalgam, which shook the tourism sector in the region. Tourists have started flocking to this beautiful place once again in recent time.
Effect of tourism economy after deadly attack
The economic slowdown was clearly seen in Pahalgam soon after the attack, as people were afraid to visit the place after the attack. According to Javed Burja, the President of the Pahalgam Hotels Association, tourists are visiting during the daytime and are mostly avoiding staying in the night. Even after reducing room rates by 50 to 60 percent, the occupancy rate is not high enough.
What are restaurant owners saying?
According to a restaurant owner Hilal Ahmed, while earlier restaurant owners used to reach Rs. 50,000 on weekends, now they are not even getting Rs. 8,000. Even small roadside eateries are impacted. The conditions of the pony walas are even more miserable, as they are just earning around Rs 500 a day.
Kashmir IGP holds security review
With the completion of the year on April 22, Kashmir IGP V KBirdi held an important meeting with officials to ensure that no untoward incident take place. Police, CRPF, BSF and Army have also intensified patrolling in the tourist areas.
Security officials are also taking the help of drones to keep a constant vigil on tourist areas. Even as tourists are feeling safe, traders and hotel owners are waiting for the old days to return. While Pahalgam may take time to recover, but its taking steps to recover from the shock.