Agartala April 25: The Baisaran Valley civilian massacre in Pahalgam on April 22 drew global condemnation. While Indian Government vows to avenge the massacre, this write up explores media reports to understand how much damage terrorist caused to Kashmir people and their future.
The bloodshed wasn’t limited to only the immediate victims. While grieving Hindu families mourn the loss of loved ones, Kashmiri Muslims have been left to grapple with the devastating economic fallout. The attack appears to be a deliberate attempt by radical elements to sabotage Kashmir’s transformation and drag it back into the shadows of fear and instability—mirroring the dire conditions of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Tourism: The Lifeblood of Kashmir’s Economy
Tourism is not just an industry in Kashmir; it is a way of life. From hotel owners and shikara operators to guides, pony handlers, artisans, and street vendors—thousands rely on the seasonal influx of tourists for their livelihood. Tourism contributes approximately 8% to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP and directly or indirectly sustains nearly 60% of the population.
As it appears, this terror attack was not random; it targeted the backbone of the region’s economy. The goal: to cripple the sector and push locals into despair and dependency.
Palki Sharma in her ‘Vantage with Palki Sharma’ show said, 2.11 crore tourists visited Kashmir in 2023. The number of tourists swelled in 2024 and stood at 2.35 crore.
According to Business Today report, the 2025 season started with a promising note recording over 8.14 lakh in Srinagar in just 26 days.
The momentum resulted in increase in per capita income and a drop in unemployment. But the radicals hit hard and the future of the Kashmir people is now shrouded under the dark clouds as ongoing tourist season which starts usually in April has reportedly facing massive booking-cancellations.
Ripple Effect on Local Economy:
The fallout of the attack is already visible. Small businesses, from garment stores to eateries, are witnessing fewer customers. Hospitality workers, taxi drivers, and daily wage earners face job insecurity. Seasonal laborers, who travel from other regions to cash in on the tourist boom, are returning home prematurely.
Financial institutions too are at risk. Banks and microfinance agencies that extended loans to tourism-linked entrepreneurs may face a rise in non-performing assets (NPAs), compounding the crisis.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has been actively working to attract investment and portray the UT as a development hub after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The region, since then, has received investment proposals worth Rs 1.63 lakh crore, with the potential to generate 5.90 lakh direct jobs, as per the 2024-25 Economic Survey.
Terror attacks such as this not only stall tourism but also shake investor confidence, jeopardizing long-term development and employment goals.
Blow to Kashmiriyat
After the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference Chief and an MLA Sajad Lone in a statement condemned the terrorists’ act and pointed out that the mindless killing of tourists aimed to cripple Kashmir’s economy to force the Kashmir people live in despair. He added, the massacre at the Baisaran Valley is also a blow to Kashmir’s identity – proudly local people call it Kashmiriyat. (https://enewstime.in/sajad-lone-says-pahalgam-massacre-an-attack-on-identity-of-Kashmir people.html)
Common Kashmir people Rise in Solidarity
Despite heart wrenching gloom all around, acts of compassion from ordinary Kashmir people have offered a glimmer of hope. Several videos have surfaced on social media showing local Muslims assisting tourists in the aftermath of the attack. Auto drivers parked their vehicles and offered free rides to help stranded visitors reach safety.
One viral clip showed a Kashmiri man carrying a wounded tourist to safety—an image that sincerely challenged the sinister plan of the radicals and demonstrated the shared humanity of the people. Besides, It was reported one of the Kashmiri Pony handlers, Syed Adil Hussain Shah sacrificed his life while attempting to ‘disarm a terrorist’.
Survivors of the attack also spoke emotionally about the kindness extended by locals during those terrifying moments. For many Kashmir people, this attack was personal—not only because of the economic loss but because their image and future are under threat.
With the opportunity to live like a human-being is slipping away, Kashmir people need to rise on this occasion in a sure and impactful manner and ensure that there is no ‘virus’ inside their community which is collaborating with Muslim fundamentalists to destroy their livelihood.
Summing up the contents of numerous reels and video/audio clips, it is appears, the tragedy has sparked a broader conversation within the Kashmiri Muslim community. There is growing realization that radicalism threatens not just security, but livelihood and dignity. Many Kashmir people are now calling for introspection, unity, and proactive measures to weed out fundamentalist elements from within.
The message to fellow Indian Muslims is clear: “Ensure peace to lead a life of dignity. Do not jeopardize your future by succumbing to violence in the name of religion.”
To safeguard its tourism sector and economic progress, Jammu and Kashmir must address the threat of terrorism at its roots. The recent busting of a Lashkar-e-Taiba Over Ground Workers (OGW) module by J&K Police, resulting in the apprehension of four individuals with arms and ammunition, underscores the need for proactive measures.
Local communities play a critical role in this effort. Kashmiri residents must remain vigilant, reporting suspicious activities in their neighborhoods to security forces. Grassroots participation, from hamlets to urban mohallas, is essential to eliminate the “virus” of terrorism and ensure a sustainable future for the region’s youth.
