Pahalgam's soul yearns for return of tourists as town grapples with aftermath of April terror attack

Pahalgam: As the annual Amarnath Yatra enters its final leg, people in this tourist township of Kashmir Valley, reeling in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack, are anxiously waiting for revival of tourism with a firm belief that the soul of Pahalgam will not be held hostage to terrorism.

The hotels that were near empty post the terror strike have now been witnessing some tourists who have been braving the odds to choose Pahalgam as their destination to spend their vacation.

"I came here in 1988 and after that I decided to come now with my family to spend our holiday. The locals here are more careful about our security and guide us properly," says Sachin Waghmare, a resident of Thane district.

He said he hoped to see other nearby destinations, but they remain closed as a precautionary measure.

"I have been able to only visit Betab valley," he said, adding that the decision to visit this place was taken after he saw pictures of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cycling on the roads of this town.

Pahalgam MLA Altaf Kaloo has been holding daily meetings with delegations associated with the tourism industry. "Rates have been brought down to ensure more tourists come back," he said.

"The government and the people, they're still trying to come out of the big shock. People are still wondering how and why it happened. Locals are in deep shock. How it happened...," the MLA said on the April 22 massacre.

Terrorists had attacked holiday-makers in Pahalgam meadows, killing 26 people -- 25 tourists and one local pony rider. The horrific incident left the country shocked and outraged and triggered an India-Pakistan military conflict.

The collective trauma of the people was still felt in Kaloo's voice, but he quickly regained his composure and added, "All these delegations came to us. Tourists are very comfortable. We are keeping a bird's eye on the security of our guests and ensuring no stone is left unturned to keep them safe."

He said this year, after a meeting with the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the chief minister, locals and tourists were allowed to come to Pahalgam. "This has helped a lot." Asif Burza, Managing Director of Ahad Hotels and Resorts, says the revival has already started and visitors have started arriving.

"There has been a big push from the government, and also the chief minister leading from the front has played a major role in the revival story.

"There has also been a push from the Government of India with Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat's help, and they are planning big events in the near future," Burza said.

Umesh Talashi, a minority community member staying in this area, said the April 22 attack left a scar on the heart of every peace loving citizen.

"Yet, history bears witness that this land of unmatched beauty and resilience has always emerged stronger from every attempt to destabilise it," he said, adding Pahalgam will rise because its people stand united against fear and violence.

The local community, security forces and civil administration are working together to restore confidence, ensure security and support the victims and their families, Talashi, who is a spokesperson of the ruling National Conference, said.

He said that tourism, the soul of Pahalgam, will not be held hostage to terror.

Infrastructure will be strengthened, pilgrim routes secured and hospitality services further enhanced to ensure that both Yatris and tourists continue to experience the warmth and tranquility of the Valley, he said.

"This is not just a recovery, it is a reaffirmation. Pahalgam will not bow down to terror. It will rise with dignity, with determination, and with an unshakeable belief in peace," he said.

Umar Malik, General Manager of Eden resort, says "I truly believe that post Amarnath Yatra, the tourism will pick up," he murmured, more to himself than to the empty lounge behind him.

"We've seen encouraging signs." Down in the foothills, Amir Bhat, who runs the Faiz Resorts and Green Heights hotels, echoed a similar sentiment, though tinged with the pragmatism of a man who knew his town's lifeblood.

"The entire township, which earns from tourism, has felt the revival due to heavy rush of Amarnath," he said, adding, "locals are very aware of what's at stake. They are taking more responsibilities now, ensuring visitors feel welcome and safe."

By the taxi stand, Ghulam Nabi, the President of the Taxi Union, leaned against his dusty vehicle, nodding to remarks about signs of tourism recovering after three months.

"It's a little better," he said on what has been a challenging year. "But sightseeing should be allowed more freely. That's what brings the real numbers, the families, the adventurers." His eyes looked at the road, waiting and hoping for the next wave of tourists to arrive.

The annual 38-day pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath, housing the naturally formed ice shivling, commenced from the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on July 3 and so far over 3.25 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance. It will conclude on August 9.