Ex-DGP urges people not to let ultras win
Nizamabad: The terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has cast a shadow over the region’s peak tourism season, with several visitors from Telangana cancelling their planned trips. Travel agencies report a steep drop in bookings, particularly for April and May, traditionally considered high tourist months.
Travel operator Narasimha, speaking from Hyderabad, confirmed that nearly 90 per cent of tour packages to Jammu and Kashmir from Telangana have been cancelled following the attack. “Most tourists reach Srinagar by air, and the incident has left them shaken. Once the government initiates a strong response, we expect confidence to return,” he said, adding that the setback is not just to J&K’s economy, but also affects livelihoods in other states linked to tourism.
Amid growing concern, former Jammu and Kashmir director-general of police K. Rajendra Kumar offered reassurance, stating that law and order in the region would soon be restored. “Terrorists targeted tourists deliberately to create a temporary setback to tourism. But Kashmiris have condemned the attack and even staged protests — this is a strong sign of change,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
Rajendra Kumar, a 1984-batch IPS officer from the J&K cadre and a native of Telugu-speaking states, said that the people and police of Jammu and Kashmir remain committed to peace. “J&K police face some of the toughest conditions globally. There have been significant changes since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, and tourism had reached peak levels, offering strong employment opportunities,” he said.
He emphasised that the attack in Pahalgam was the first of its kind in 25 years, calling it an isolated incident driven by Pakistan-based groups with limited local support. “Attacks on tourists on religious grounds are deeply unfortunate and aimed at grabbing global attention. But India will respond decisively,” he said.
Urging tourists not to be deterred, Rajendra Kumar added, “If we hesitate to visit Kashmir, we give terrorists the satisfaction of success. We must not let them win.”
The former DGP also noted that infrastructure development, including railways and road networks, has expanded rapidly in the region. “Tourism is a major source of employment in J&K. The situation will stabilise soon, and the government will ensure justice,” he concluded.
