A week after the deadly militant attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the picturesque Kashmiri town remains tense but is slowly witnessing the return of tourists. The main streets, once deserted and lined with shuttered shops and empty hotels, are now showing signs of revival as both domestic and foreign visitors trickle back. The attack, which targeted tourists exploring the scenic Baisaran meadow, has left a deep scar on the community and triggered outrage across India, intensifying the already fraught relations between India and Pakistan.

Local businesses, heavily reliant on tourism, are grappling with uncertainty. Many shopkeepers and hotel owners report that business is far from normal, with some expressing fears about their livelihoods if the tourist flow does not recover soon. Yet, there are glimmers of hope as visitors from cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, as well as international tourists from Croatia and Serbia, continue to arrive, encouraged by reassurances from locals and security forces. Bollywood figures and tour operators have publicly urged travelers not to cancel their plans, emphasizing the resilience of the region and the hospitality of its people.

Despite these positive signs, anxiety persists. The attack has led to a surge in trip cancellations, especially from major Indian cities, with some tour operators reporting up to 80% of bookings annulled. The heightened security measures, ongoing operations against suspected militants, and cross-border tensions have further contributed to an atmosphere of fear and unpredictability. The looming threat of further violence and the specter of military escalation between India and Pakistan have made many potential visitors hesitant.

Amidst the grief, local leaders and residents are making concerted efforts to restore confidence in Kashmir’s safety. Authorities have intensified security, and prominent voices, including the Chief Minister, have appealed to tourists not to abandon the valley. While the path to normalcy appears long, the determination of both locals and returning tourists offers a fragile but vital sense of hope for the region’s future.