Deadly terror attack in Kashmir claims lives of tourists, foreign nationals

In one of the deadliest terror attacks in the picturesque Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, at least 28 tourists lost their lives when gunmen opened fire near the Baisaran meadow, popularly known as ‘Mini-Switzerland’, on April 22. The meadow was crowded with visitors at the time of the attack.

Among the deceased were two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal, according to a report by The Times of India.

A militant outfit identifying as Kashmir Resistance claimed responsibility for the assault through a message posted on social media.

Despite facing insurgency over the years, Kashmir has emerged as a popular domestic tourism destination in recent times, buoyed by improved security and infrastructure. The region has witnessed a steady influx of tourists especially during the summer season.

However, this latest terror attack has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s tourism prospects for the current season.

Ved Khanna, president of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India, strongly condemned the attack while speaking to TTG Asia.

“Kashmir’s tourism sector was flourishing and this cowardly act appears aimed at derailing that progress. Flights to the region were operating at full capacity and the recent launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has further enhanced regional connectivity.

“In fact, owing to the tourism boom, the state government is planning to develop nine new tourist destinations. I am confident that, with the continued support of the local population, Kashmir’s tourism industry will recover and emerge even stronger.”

In response to the incident, Indian carriers including IndiGo and Air India have announced waivers on cancellation and rescheduling fees for flights to Srinagar until April 30.

In a follow-up advisory today, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation said there has been “an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes”.

Thus, it has advised airlines to “take swift action to increase the number of flights in response to heightened demand and also to ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India, facilitating evacuation of stranded tourists”.