Qysar Ul Islam Shah
Paradise maimed again! Grief and sorrow engulfed with screaming and lamentations– that led swallowed innocents. Everything came standstill. Amid Pahalgams massacre, people still feels numbed no normal human being could hardly believe such brutal bloodbath of innocent tourists. This inhuman act of terrorism has shell shocked every human being across the world mostly in Kashmir. Who could have thought such heartbreaking incident could take place on the territory of heaven where humanity fall prey to bullets and dreams shattered in wee hours, wails return to the valley.
The attack shook us to the core. The blood soaked- terror strike in Pahalagam, chaos and confusion reigned as panic– stricken tourists including Roopali from Pune screamed for safety–afraid, maimed where to turn. Syed Adil’s bravery to to catch up the unidentified also gave painful goodbye.
Tourism sector is grappling not only with immediate financial limitations but also with psychological burden of violence. Fresh entrepreneurs reconsidering their plans to invest in the industry, given its fragility. This gravest tragedy in Kashmir was the big blow dealt to the valleys travel season. While tourism purely acts as potent amplifier for economic activity. It also boosts demand for local handicrafts and services like taxis, shikaras, hotel staff, vendors and pony rides fuelling a parallel economy.
An incident like Pahalgam attack that too on newly wedded couple shook entire valley .The hena(mehandi) yet fades on her hands has to bid him in shroud covered with tricolour is quite heart wrenching. Valley widely mourns his death followed by protests, candle march, two minute science in all government offices to pay highest tribute to all those who were martyred in cowardice act of terrorism. Kashmir has history of giving honour to all visitors even during the difficult times. Post martyrdom of Navy officer at Pahalgam no one has even kept back from tears which come out automatically after watching her wife’s lamentation. The terrorists have no religion even a common human being could think thousand times before committing such heinous crime. Every Kashmiri offers their heartfelt condolences and bowed their head in shame post this gruesome attack.
Kashmir has diverse economy rooted in agriculture, handicrafts, investment, public spending–holds immense potential but only if protected from frequent shocks of insurgency and violence. And tragedy in Pahalgam has somehow reduced the economic prosperity, but will surely be brought back on the track only by having steadfast commitment to peace and security, inclusive governance, political stability.
Now tourist places are silent in Kashmir post the massacre and escalation between India and Pak, black clouds hang lower over the valley and sombre chill rides the wind, hotels are empty, restaurant remains shut, shops barely see a customer, and hundreds of vehicles sit idle, businessman who just days ago were overwhelmed sit quietly. The killings of innocent civilians and collateral damage in many parts of Kashmir have even hurt more. No one wants innocent blood bleeds. Kashmir has always been the receiving end.
Apart from recent attack the escalation has rendered hundreds of families homeless and put life of common man in quandary. The heartbreaking scenes witnessed in North Kashmir and other border areas where some families along with their kids leaving behind their entire belongings due to unprovoked shelling from neighbouring country. Amid escalating tension at the border the tourism sector is bracing itself for a bleak year. Before escalation Pahalgam incident has shattered the normal life in Kashmir. Hours after incident people from every nook and corner strongly condemn followed by strong protest and angry. Kashmir has always been place-popular in hospitality and people filled with friendly traits and helping nature. Since the incident people across the country are demanding through investigation. We wish no further escalation on border areas and bullets in both sides may find solitude and silence to avoid any loss of life. War brings destruction and disaster. Let the peace prevail!
Qysar Ul Islam Shah hails from Lolab Kupwara
