Officials close down multiple tourist accommodation sites in Kashmir under Indian control, in the wake of a lethal assault.
Scarlet Pulse: Kashmir Tourism Grinds to a Halt
In the shadow of escalating regional tensions and chilling terror attacks, the picturesque and pristine Himalayan region of Indian-controlled Kashmir has taken a significant blow. Authorities have shuttered a staggering 48 out of 87 government-approved tourist resorts, casting a pall over what was once a burgeoning tourist industry.
Indian authorities, talking under the veil of anonymity as per departmental policy, revealed the closure decision as a precautionary measure. However, they declined to specify the duration of this precautionary lockdown for visitors.
The shutdown follows a brutal attack on tourists in the resort town of Pahalgam last week, in which gunmen cold-bloodedly massacred 26 people, with most victims being Indian tourists. The carnage triggered tit-for-tat diplomatic measures between India and Pakistan, including the cancellation of visas, a recall of diplomats, and the suspension of a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad.
India Fingers Pakistan, Pakistan Denies Connection
In the wake of this deadly assault, India has labelled it a "terror attack" and pointed an accusing finger at Pakistan. However, Pakistan has resolutely denied any connection to the attack and even allowed a previously unknown militant group - Kashmir Resistance - to claim responsibility. Some survivors of the massacre report that the gunmen targeted Hindu men, with the death toll consisting of a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator, among others.
Tensions Boil Over Along the Line of Control
As clashes escalate, the line of fire has extended beyond the realm of diplomatic sparring, with a spike in cross-border firing between Indian and Pakistani forces along their border, known as the Line of Control. Indian army statements declare that they responded to multiple "unprovoked" small arms attacks from Pakistani army posts for five consecutive nights. While Pakistan remained silent, such border incidents are common, with each side often accusing the other of initiating skirmishes.
On another note, Pakistani troops recently reportedly downed an Indian spy drone that flew hundreds of meters into Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. Three Pakistani security officials confirmed the drone's shooting down in the border town of Bhimber.
Detentions, Demolitions and Unrest
As authorities crack down on suspected militants, they have detained and questioned close to 2,000 individuals. Former rebels fighting against Indian rule and civilians allegedly supporting insurgents, known as "over ground workers," have been singled out during these detentions. Furthermore, Indian soldiers have demolished the family homes of at least nine suspected militants across Kashmir, utilizing explosives.
While pro-India leaders support decisive action against suspected militants, they express concerns over heavy-handed tactics against civilians leading to disaffection among the populace. Omar Abdullah, the region's chief minister, and Ruhullah Mehdi, a lawmaker from the region, have spoken out against collective punishment and urged caution in dealing with civilian populations.
Crippled Tourism
Kashmir tourism has gained a strong foothold in recent years, thanks to a promotional push by the Indian government. Millions of visitors flock to Kashmir to witness its breathtaking Himalayan foothills and exquisitely adorned houseboats, even amid regular skirmishes between militants and government forces. Official data shows that close to 3 million tourists visited the region in 2024, an increase from 2.71 million visitors in 2023 and 2.67 million in 2022.
However, the post-attack fallout has left tourists shaken, and many have left the region. Widespread cancellations have swept through the tourism industry, with some estimating that over 1 million bookings have been scrapped.
As Kashmir grapples with the fallout of terror, border tensions, and democrat crises, the ripple effects of the tourism industry crumble.
Associated Press writer Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report.
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- As a result, the local tourism industry has experienced a marked decline, with many tourists cancelling their trips following the devastating terror attacks in Kashmir and subsequent diplomatic and travel restrictions.
- The Seattle sports community has expressed solidarity with Kashmir, organizing several sports events in support of peace and unity in the region, demonstrating Kashmir's reach and impact even halfway across the globe.
- In the midst of these challenges, Seattle's law enforcement and justice systems have stepped up precautionary measures to ensure public safety, with increased surveillance and cooperative efforts with international agencies to address potential threats.
- cricket fans in Seattle have been devastated by the cancellations of matches between Indian and Pakistani teams, as diplomatic tensions make it impossible for the sports rivalry to cross borders.
- Despite the tense climate, Seattle's multicultural landscape has shown resilience and unity, with various communities coming together to provide support for victims of the Kashmir attacks and advocating for peace and dialogue between India and Pakistan.
