On April 23, 2025, terrorists attacked tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam, killing 26 people. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, claimed responsibility.
Key Details:
- Target: Tourists enjoying pony rides in scenic meadows.
- Response: Heavy security deployment, investigations ongoing.
- Impact: Immediate tourist exodus, cancellations surge.
This was the first major terror incident in Kashmir in 2025, disrupting years of relative peace.
Is Jammu & Kashmir Safe for Tourists Now?
1. Security Situation Post-Attack
- Increased Military Presence: More checkpoints, drone surveillance.
- Tourist Spots Under Watch: Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Srinagar under high alert.
- Past Trends:
- 2024: 26 terror incidents (lowest in years).
- 2023: 27 incidents.
- 2022: 107 attacks.
- 2018: 228 attacks.
Despite the recent attack, violence has declined since 2018, but risks remain.
2. Government & Local Perspectives
- Indian Authorities: Assure enhanced security for tourists.
- Local Businesses: Fear long-term damage to tourism.
- Mushtaq Ahmad (Restaurateur): “We are condemned forever. The industry won’t recover.”
- Arshad Ahmad (Hotelier): “All my bookings for May were canceled overnight.”
3. Foreign Travel Advisories
- United States: “Do Not Travel” (except Leh, Ladakh).
- United Kingdom: Avoid all travel to Kashmir Valley, including Pahalgam, Gulmarg.
- India’s Response: No official advisory yet, but Panun Kashmir (Kashmiri Pandit group) urges warnings for Hindu tourists.
Economic Impact on Kashmir’s Tourism
1. Tourism Boom Before the Attack (2019-2025)
- 2024: 2.35 crore tourists (highest ever, including 65,452 foreigners).
- 2023: 2.11 crore tourists (55,337 foreigners).
- GSDP Contribution: 7-8% (Rs 18,500-21,200 crore annually).
2. Immediate Fallout
- Mass Cancellations: Hotels, shikaras, handicraft sales hit.
- Peak Season Losses: April-May is Kashmir’s busiest tourist period.
- Taxi Drivers, Guides Jobless: “This was our main earning season” – Gulzar Ahmad Wani (Taxi Driver).
3. Long-Term Concerns
- Government Target: Increase tourism’s GSDP share to 15% by 2030.
- Current Challenge: Rebuilding traveler confidence.
Should You Travel to Kashmir Now?
Pros
Enhanced Security: More forces deployed in tourist zones.
Lower Crowds: Fewer tourists mean better deals on hotels, tours.
Stunning Landscapes: Pahalgam, Gulmarg remain breathtaking.
Cons
Risk of Unpredictable Violence.
Foreign Advisories May Affect Travel Insurance.
Possible Protests, Bandhs.
Alternatives
- Ladakh: Safer, similar landscapes.
- Himachal Pradesh (Manali, Spiti): Risk-free Himalayan beauty.
What Tourists Are Saying
- Himani Sharma (Haryana): “We cut short our trip; my kids were terrified.”
- Naushad (Pony Rider’s Brother): “We’ve always protected tourists. This attack ruins us.”
Conclusion: Is Kashmir Safe?
Short-Term: Higher risk – avoid non-essential travel.
Long-Term: If stability returns, tourism can rebound.
For now, check official advisories, consult travel agencies, and weigh risks before visiting.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on the latest available reports and security assessments as of April 2025. Travel conditions in Jammu & Kashmir can change rapidly due to geopolitical and security developments. Readers are advised to:
- Check real-time government advisories (Ministry of Home Affairs, MHA) before planning travel.
- Consult registered tour operators for on-ground safety updates.
- Verify foreign travel warnings (e.g., U.S. State Department, UK FCDO) for insurance/visa implications.
This article does not endorse or discourage travel to Jammu & Kashmir but aims to present an objective analysis. Decisions should be made after evaluating personal risk tolerance and official guidance.
