A brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has shaken the region just days before the Amarnath Yatra is set to begin on July 3. On Tuesday, terrorists from The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), opened fire on tourists, killing 28 people and injuring over 60 others.

This is the worst attack in the region in years and comes at a time when Kashmir was seeing a tourism revival after years of unrest.

Kashmir has been working hard to promote peace and attract tourists. In recent months, the valley saw a rise in visitors and major investments in tourism, including the building of guesthouses and hotels. For example, Srinagar’s tulip garden welcomed over 8.1 lakh visitors in just 26 days since its opening on March 26.

But this attack has spread fear. With the Amarnath Yatra just around the corner, many are now worried about safety. The government has not yet said if the Yatra will be cancelled or postponed.

Past attacks on pilgrims and tourists

This is not the first time pilgrims or tourists have been targeted in Kashmir:

2000: Over 30 killed and 60 injured at the Amarnath base camp.

2001: 13 killed at Sheshnag in another attack on pilgrims.

2002: 11 killed in yet another attack.

2017: Eight Amarnath pilgrims were shot dead on their way back from the shrine.

2023: A tourist couple from Rajasthan was injured in a shooting in Pahalgam.

These repeated attacks have created a fear about safety in the valley.

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the government has pushed for peace and development in Kashmir. The recent growth in tourism was seen as a sign that the region was moving forward. But this latest attack may undo much of that progress and hurt the local economy, which depends heavily on tourism.

As of now, there is no official word on whether the Amarnath Yatra will go on as planned. Meanwhile, security has been stepped up across Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities are on high alert, and the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives in this tragic attack.

 

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