Image Source: Daily Pioneer
The recent terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has significantly affected the Amarnath Yatra next month. The issue of the security of the pilgrims and the tourism carries a grave threat to the pilgrimage and the entire tourism industry in the region.
On Tuesday, four armed terrorists opened fire on tourists at Baisaran meadow, five kilometers away from Pahalgam and shot dead at least 26 people and injured at least 10 more. The attack was claimed by an organization named The Resistance Front. The shooting has sent fear among not only tourists but also the locals, with many tourists rushing to leave the Union Territory, whilst many bad booked for later in the summer are cancelling their trips.
Pahalgam is a significant base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, which is starting this year from July 3 and ends August 9. The timing of this terrorist attack event is problematic, as the Yatra preparation had begun by allowing registration to pilgrims on the yatra pilgrimage.
Travel agents and hoteliers indicate there has been recent cancellation of business, especially pilgrims considering a trip to Srinagar after the Amarnath Yatra.
Inderjit Khajuria, Chairman of the All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association reiterated how very serious this terrorist act was: “It has happened at a time when Amarnath Yatra been announced. The yatra brings us business but this attack may or may not take that away from us to tourism altogether; however in these times who is going to come here? One (terrorist) event fizzles the entire pilgrimage, then it takes months to recover.”
Following the gun attack, there was an increase call for security. Some of leaders in tourism have asked the government to give us (industry leaders) the protection of the pilgrimage to the Army to support in security to help restore confidence for pilgrims and tourists to come back. There have been possible cases lead to Supreme Court, with the request that the liberties will there for all tourists and pilgrims.
The Agendas have not reported any modifications to the Yatra for either travel or dates for now. However, security agencies have increased there presence and initiated emergency helplines for tourists and pilgrims.
The region has experienced a shatter fear most likely in the aftermath of this gun attack effort. The direct economic impact to tourism had seen recovery in past years suddenly dip. The Ambanath Yatra will start soon, and this unfortunate event will be seen in the after effects in the next few weeks from the Gun attack incident, as the Ganaanata issues continue to happen in the region.
Source: FirstPost
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