SRINAGAR, April 23 – In the wake of Tuesday’s horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, thousands of tourists have begun to leave Kashmir, with authorities working urgently to ensure their safe return to their home states.
Expressing deep sorrow over the situation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the exodus of visitors “heartbreaking,” while acknowledging the understandable fears driving their decision to depart. On X (formerly Twitter), Abdullah wrote, “It’s heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday’s tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, but at the same time, we fully understand why people would want to leave.”
In response to the situation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have arranged additional flights to facilitate the swift departure of tourists. Meanwhile, National Highway-44 (NH-44), which connects Srinagar to Jammu, has been reopened for traffic in a single direction to ease the movement of those leaving the region.
The mass departure of tourists has raised significant concerns about the future of Kashmir’s tourism industry, which has long been a cornerstone of the region’s economy. The terror attack, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians, has once again brought the security challenges of the region to the forefront, leaving many questioning the impact of this tragedy on the long-term viability of tourism in the area.
Authorities have assured the public that steps are being taken to bolster security and restore normalcy. While the immediate focus is on ensuring the safety of visitors and residents alike, officials are also committed to rebuilding trust and assuring tourists of their safety in the future.
As the valley continues to grapple with the aftermath of this attack, efforts to stabilize the region and support the local economy are set to remain top priorities for the government.
