Tourism Turns to Tragedy: Pahalgam's Darkest Hour

Once a haven for travelers and nature lovers, the tranquil valleys of Pahalgam now echo with sorrow. Just a day after a devastating terrorist attack claimed the lives of 27 tourists and injured more than 20 others, the town lies under a heavy blanket of grief. For the first time in over three decades, Pahalgam is marked by an uneasy stillness—its streets deserted, its air filled with uncertainty and fear.

In response to the tragedy, various civil and political organizations have called for a complete Kashmir bandh on Wednesday. The shutdown is both a protest against the senseless violence and a gesture of solidarity with the victims and their families. Local residents and traders have joined the bandh, uniting in mourning and resistance.

Daily life in Pahalgam came to an abrupt halt. Schools, businesses, and offices remained closed as a somber mood gripped the town. With tourists quickly departing, the impact on the region's vital tourism sector is already visible. What was once a thriving destination now faces an uncertain future, its recovery clouded by the lingering shadow of fear and loss.