US Hikes Kashmir Travel Warning After 26 Tourists Killed in Pahalgam, Bookings Crash 40%

Tejal

On April 22, 26 tourists were gunned down in a brutal ambush at Baisaran, a picturesque meadow in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

Photo Source: Hellohappy  (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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The U.S. State Department issued a renewed “Do Not Travel” alert for Jammu and Kashmir, escalating concern over terrorism and civil unrest.

Photo Credits : Sahil

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India responded swiftly—suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals.

Photo Credits: Joonas Lyytinen (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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A Pakistan-linked militant group claimed responsibility, pointing to a dangerous return of organized cross-border terrorism.

Photo Source: Voice of America

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Security forces launched sweeping operations in the forests near Anantnag to track down suspected foreign militants.

Photo Source: Sauood07 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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U.S. leaders strongly condemned the killings, with expressions of solidarity from President Trump and Secretary Rubio.

Photo Source: Trump White House Archived (PDM 1.0)

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The UN urged restraint amid rising tensions along the volatile Line of Control between India and Pakistan.

Photo Credits:  Muzaffar Bukhari (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

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Kashmir’s tourism industry took a nosedive, with bookings dropping over 40% and losses projected in millions.

Photo Credits: Pranshu Goyal

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Tour operators back home in India staged protests, calling for financial aid and better protection for tourists.

Photo Credits: Seyyed Sajed Hassan Razavi (CC BY 4.0)

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Analysts warn that small, mobile terror squads are now exploiting terrain and timing to maximum effect.

Photo Source: Israel Defense Forces (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Survivors recounted chilling moments—tearing off bindis and whispering prayers as they ran for their lives.

Photo Credits: Seyyed Sajed Hassan Razavi (CC BY 4.0)

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Could this deadly ambush mark the start of a more unpredictable and violent phase in the Kashmir conflict?

Photo Source: Kashmir Global (CC BY 2.0)

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The bloodshed drew grim comparisons to earlier massacres, including those in Nadimarg and Pulwama.

Photo Credits: Shuaib Masoodi

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In a rare moment of unity, cross-faith vigils were held across Srinagar to mourn the victims and support survivors.

Photo Credits: Seyyed Sajed Hassan Razavi (CC BY 4.0)

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The question lingers—how long can a place known for its beauty continue to endure such brutal loss?

Photo Credits: Seyyed Sajed Hassan Razavi (CC BY 4.0)

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