Jammu and Kashmir’s prosperous tourism subdivision, a vital pillar of the economy, grieved a setback on Tuesday as a terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow claimed the lives of at least 26 civilians, most of them tourists.
Tourism, which pays a projected Rs. 8,000 crore yearly to the local economy, has arisen as the second-largest economic driver after horticulture. It ropes thousands of business persons—from hoteliers and houseboat owners to shikara operatives, pony wallahs, tourist guides, and artisans.
As per official figures, tourism’s influence on the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rose to 8.47 per cent in 2022–23, up from 7.84 per cent in 2019–20, emphasising its increasing economic footmark.
The subdivision also remains a key source of both direct and indirect employment, in addition to important income for government and private enterprises. Notably, tourism revenue reached Rs. 4,362.68 lakh in 2010–11, marking a 33.19 per cent increase over the previous year.
The calm hill town of Pahalgam turned into a scene of shock when terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists trekking to the remote meadow of Baisaran, accessible only by foot or pony. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed accountability for the attack, though official confirmation is predictable.
The incident marks the deadliest attack on civilians in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Nation and World React
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who repaid early from a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, doomed the “heinous act” and chaired an emergency meeting at the Delhi airport with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. “Those behind this act will be brought to justice and will not be spared,” said PM Modi in a firm statement.
Global condemnation followed swiftly. U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were among the world leaders who spoke in harmony with India and extended condolences to the victims’ kin.
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In a strongly worded message, the Government of Bangladesh stated:
“Bangladesh strongly condemns the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives and extends deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) also grieved the heartrending loss of life. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this horrific attack that has caused immeasurable suffering to dozens of families across India,” said Harsh Vardhan Agarwal, President of FICCI.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this moment of profound grief. The entire country stands united with both the central and state governments in this hour of national tragedy.”
FICCI underlined that violence has no place in a civilised society, calling for collective flexibility and unity to preserve peace and coherence.
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