With the ceasefire between India and Pakistan coming into force, post-Operation Sindoor, it is time now to work on reviving tourism in J&K. There is no doubt that the Pak-sponsored terrorists struck a deep blow to J&K’s economy with the Pahalgam attack. It will take some time and aggressive restorative measures to revive people’s confidence in the Union Territory’s security situation.
A beginning has been made by some individuals who refused to be intimidated by the terrorist threat and decided to holiday in J&K as symbolic resistance. However, it is only natural for people not to include their families in such symbolism if the threat remains a reality. As such, it is very important for the security apparatus to be raised to a level where multi-layered protection is provided to visitors. This will require an examination of the mistakes that allowed the Pahalgam incident to take place and learning the required lessons.
At present, a large number of once popular destinations have had to be closed down while the necessary appraisal of security arrangements is made. There is no doubt that the attack was not just opportunistic; it was motivated by Pakistan’s realisation that the increasing normalcy in J&K and growing economy would deal a death blow to the separatist cause. This became obvious when participation in the assembly elections was robust, bringing to power an ideologically moderate and pragmatic government. With a number of local parties exiting the Hurriyat Conference, and the overall disillusionment with the separatist cause, Pakistan was desperate to throw a spanner in the works. It did so by launching the overtly communal killing of tourists in Pahalgam.
One important step towards regaining tourists’ confidence will be the capture of the perpetrators of the dastardly attack. It is believed that there is local involvement in their disappearance. It is for the Kashmiris to consider this factor and make the conscious decision to disassociate with the radical cause that is denying them and their coming generations a better future. It is truly tragic that in an environment where the Indian middle-class is spending increasing amounts on travel, the iconic destination that J&K represents should be left out. Even as the government and security forces upgrade their response mechanism, the first line of defence needs to be the common citizen of J&K. Alertness and awareness on their part will ensure the small percentage of terrorist sympathisers find it difficult to operate. That will greatly help in turning the situation around.
