Tourists are our lifeline': Picking up the pieces in Kashmir after April killings
Breaking News
Kashmir has been in the news for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks, following a spate of targeted killings that have scared away tourists--the region's economic lifeblood--just as the summer season peaks. But locals say the situation on the ground is more complex and attention-grabbing incidents of violence aside, life goes on.
The human cost
At least 11 people working in the construction industry in Kashmir were killed in a targeted attack on April 17. Three days later, two tourists were caught in a crossfire when militants attacked a checkpoint. A 67-year-old woman crossing the street was also killed in a targeted attack on May 23. The recent killings have scared tourists away, with cancellations mounting and the tourism industry fearing for its future.
Tourism: The Lifeline of Kashmir
Tourism is the lifeblood of Kashmir's economy and it is largely dependent on the summer months. More than a million people visited the region last year, with many of them opting for a houseboat stay on the region's many lakes. But the tourism industry has been hit hard by the recent wave of violence, with fewer tourists willing to take the risk.
A history of violence
Militancy has ebbed and flowed in Kashmir over the past three decades, with peace deals and military operations periodically limiting extremist violence. However, violence has surged in recent months, with targeted killings becoming a more regular occurrence.
Security concerns
The increase in violence has led to a beefing up of security in the region. However, critics say that the heightened security has only served to increase tensions and anger among the local population.
An economic crisis
With tourism faltering, the region's economy is in crisis. Many locals rely on income earned during the summer months to carry them through the winter. With fewer tourists coming to the region, this income has dried up, leading to widespread economic hardship.
A plea for peace
By all accounts, the situation in Kashmir is complex. But for those on the ground, what is clear is that violence is not the answer. With their livelihoods at stake, locals are now pleading for peace.
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