The year 2024 has been immensely successful for tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Tourism in the region reached its highest level, leading to increased income and prosperity for the local population. However, this prosperity could have sat better with some people. The rising levels of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir irritate certain negative elements. They could not tolerate the fact that people were happy and their sources of income were increasing.
After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, some terrorist elements felt that the Modi government’s power had weakened, and they saw this as an opportunity. On June 9, 2024, a terrorist attack took place on a bus carrying pilgrims, with indiscriminate firing. In this attack, nine pilgrims died on the spot. This series of attacks continued on June 11, 2024, when another terrorist attack resulted in the death of an Indian army soldier. However, in the army’s retaliatory action, a terrorist was killed.
On June 12, 2024, another attack occurred at the Chattergala check post in Doda, in which six Indian army soldiers were seriously injured. The continuous terrorist attacks suggested that the terrorists were receiving significant backing from somewhere. On June 19, a local helper was arrested in connection with the Reasi attack, proving that local people were also supporting these attacks.
On June 20, 2024, news came in that terrorists were hiding in the Sopore district of Handwara. The army promptly launched an operation and eliminated the terrorists.
These attacks were close to the tourist destinations like Sonmarg, raising concerns about safety in the region. Handwara, Baramulla, and Sopore are within a 35-40 kilometre radius of the known tourist place Gulmarg. These attacks have dealt a significant blow to the tourism industry, making many people planning a trip to Kashmir feel fearful.
This situation is undoubtedly a nightmare for the tourism industry in Kashmir. Local people, who support terrorists for a small amount of money, have made the situation more serious. This has negatively impacted tourism in Kashmir, shaking people’s confidence. The safety of travelling to Kashmir for tourism has become a major concern.
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