‘Dahashatgardi Nahin Chalegi': Pahalgam rallies against terror, stares at crunch
Pahalgam: Slogans of "Hum Hindustani Hain (we are Indians) and "Hindustan Hamara Hai (India is ours)" rent the air Friday in Pahalgam as locals marched through its desolate roads and shuttered shops, contrasting with reports of Muslims being targeted in some states due to Tuesday's terror attack in the scenic Kashmir town.
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The march followed a large gathering in the main Pahalgam market in front of a mosque after Friday prayers. The gathering was attended largely by tourist operators, transporters, pony guides and businessmen. They chorused "Dahashatgardi Nahin Chalegi (Terrorism will not be tolerated) "Begunahon Ka Katle-Aam Band Karo" (stop killing innocents) and "Tourists Hamari Jaan Hai (tourists are our lifeline)".
Most protesters said the killings were a personal loss to them and feared tourists may not visit the town in future.
The concerns did not seem misplaced. The once-thriving tourist destination with around 3000-5000 had only security forces and locals milling around.
The main market, closed since Tuesday, opened partially. But that was hardly a consolation. Legions have been rendered workless. These include 1100 cabbies, 3500 Pony guides and nearly 200 hotels and guesthouses.
The few shops that reopened Friday were those stocking basics like food and vegetables.
Others, such as those peddling Kashmir handicrafts and dry fruits, stayed shut. "What will we do by opening the shops when nobody will come to buy anything. The market used to be full of hustle and bustle. Now, it looks like it did during Covid times," rued Wahid, who had closed down his shop that deals in kesar (Kashmiri saffron).
Many at the local govt-run Tourist Guide Centre recalled that Pahalgam had witnessed a visitor surge recently, with daily footfalls hitting 10,000 on occasions.
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All that dissipated suddenly after Tuesday's massacre.
Among those taking the hardest blows are pony guides from nine villages of Pahalgam. "We do not have orchards or agricultural land. Unemployment is rampant. This (pony rides) is the only source of income for many. If this situation continues, people in these areas may begin to die from starvation," said Wahid Wani, president of No. 3 Pony Guide Association, Pahalgam.
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