In the scenic Himalayan valley of Kashmir, a glimmer of hope shines through the aftermath of a tragic attack that killed 26 tourists earlier this year. Two months post-attack, families are taking the plunge and visiting popular spots like Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake, happy to savor the summer escape.
One family, the Awwals, chose to continue their planned trip even in light of fears surrounding safety. Shabana Awwal explained, “We weren’t really afraid… the situation here is normal.” Their determination reflects a broader sentiment; many are dismissing the heightened media coverage around safety concerns.
Hotel operators and local tourism businesses are optimistic with the return of visitors, like a group of Polish tourists spotted just weeks after the attack. The President of the Shikara Owners Association, Haji Wali Mohammad Bhat, emphasized their reliance on tourism, stating, "Tourists are our life, tourism is our lifeline."
Additionally, a new train service linking Srinagar to Katra, the entry point for the holy Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, has made travel easier and more appealing to tourists. The train has already drawn many pilgrims who are seizing the chance to explore the valley as well.
Local leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, remain hopeful for the future of tourism in Kashmir. He noted that the arrival of visitors is a promising sign, urging them to extend their stays and explore the valley's charms thoroughly.
While the road to recovery may be long, the resilience shown by both locals and returning tourists signals a strong commitment to revitalizing Kashmir's most vital economic lifeline.
