After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Centre Vows to Shield J&K Tourism: “Will Minimise the Dent,” Says Union Minister Shekhawat

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New Delhi: A day after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 people, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat assured that the central government is committed to minimising the impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s thriving tourism sector.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, Shekhawat expressed strong concern over the incident and reaffirmed the Centre’s support to the Union Territory. “Some people with nefarious intentions have tried to again incite separatism and terrorism in the Valley. My ministry is in continuous touch with the chief secretary and tourism secretary of the Union Territory (of Jammu and Kashmir) to closely monitor the situation,” the minister said.

He added, “We are working with J&K and will do our best to minimise the dent on tourism because of the attack.”

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred at one of south Kashmir’s most visited tourist locations, sent shockwaves across the country. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy terror outfit of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the massacre, which targeted civilians in a bustling tourist zone.

The timing of the attack comes as Jammu and Kashmir had been witnessing a steady surge in tourism and private investment, marking a significant economic and social recovery in the region. The terror strike now threatens to stall that progress.

In a show of unity, several tourism associations and industry bodies came forward with a joint statement, unequivocally condemning the attack. “We urge our members to communicate positively… Despite this challenge, we will continue to showcase our region’s beauty and resilience,” the statement read, calling on tour operators and hospitality stakeholders to reassure clients and visitors.

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