In a tragic turn of events, at least 28 tourists, including two foreign nationals, were killed in a deadly terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow popularly known as ‘Mini-Switzerland’ near the tourist town of Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22. Gunmen opened fire on the unsuspecting visitors in what is being described as one of the worst terror attacks to hit the Kashmir Valley in recent years.
The meadow famed for its lush alpine landscape and accessible only by foot or pony was crowded with domestic tourists from across India when the attack occurred. Early investigations suggest the assault was a deliberate attempt to destabilize peace in the region and strike at the heart of Kashmir’s flourishing tourism sector.
The attack comes at a time when Jammu & Kashmir has been experiencing a strong revival in domestic tourism. In 2024, the Union Territory welcomed over 2.35 crore tourists – an increase from 2.11 crore in 2023 fueled by improved infrastructure, increased connectivity and enhanced security measures.
“This attack is clearly designed to hit our economy and break the sense of normalcy we have worked so hard to rebuild,” said a local tour operator from Pahalgam, who requested anonymity. “Just when bookings were picking up in the wake of the summer travel season, this has thrown everything into uncertainty.”
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issued an urgent advisory on Wednesday, April 23, asking airlines to ramp up operations and facilitate the evacuation of stranded tourists.
“In the aftermath of the incident in Pahalgam, there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes,” the ministry stated. “Airlines are advised to take swift action to increase the number of flights and ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar.”
Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have responded by waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees for Srinagar-bound flights until April 30 and are offering additional support to affected passengers.
The attack has drawn strong condemnation both domestically and internationally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, cut his trip short and returned to New Delhi ahead of schedule. The incident occurred just one day after PM Modi held strategic discussions with the U.S. Vice President JD Vance in New Delhi.
Global leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed their solidarity with India, denouncing the attack as a cowardly act against innocent civilians.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah vowed justice. “Those responsible will not go unpunished,” he declared, adding that security would be significantly heightened in all major tourist zones across Jammu & Kashmir.
Despite the tragedy, voices from the tourism industry remain defiant. Ved Khanna, President of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) said, “The tourism sector was flourishing in Kashmir and this terror attack was aimed at derailing that progress. However, I am hopeful that with the support of locals, the tourism sector will bounce back strongly.”
He also noted that the successful launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has improved accessibility and that the state government has plans to develop nine new tourist destinations to meet the rising demand.
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has recently highlighted on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi, that travel advisories issued by foreign missions in India are deterring the growth of inbound tourism in the region.
“We condemn this senseless act of violence that has shattered lives and shaken the spirit of a region known for its beauty, culture and unmatched hospitality,” Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary of Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH).
A statement made by the association highlighted that “there shall be some cancellations but with support from all stakeholders tourism would surely bounce back.”
“We appeal to the Government of India, local authorities and all stakeholders to ensure swift action, restore confidence and strengthen the sense of safety and security in the region,” the statement added.