During his visit to the Valley, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu made clear the government’s intent to restore confidence in Kashmir. His assurance that the region is once again safe to visit, following the resumption of flight operations at Srinagar Airport, was more than a logistical update; it was a message aimed at rekindling trust in the idea of travel as a way of standing with Kashmir. Naidu’s remarks drew attention to the unity shown by people across India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack last month, which left 25 tourists and one local dead. His words—“We are here to revive Kashmir tourism”—point to a deeper appeal for conscious travel, rooted in responsibility and empathy. This is not simply about planes flying again, or hotel rooms filling up; it is about acknowledging the role tourism plays in Kashmir’s daily life. The sector sustains a wide range of workers—houseboat operators, hotel staff, drivers, guides, artisans—many of whom have no financial buffer against a sudden stop in income. When tourists stay away, families go without earnings. The economic blow from the attack is particularly harsh for daily wage earners, whose struggles are often hidden, and whose recovery depends on more than temporary relief. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has also convened a joint session with tourism officials and business representatives to plan a way forward. He assured attendees that the administration would act swiftly, and seek input from those on the ground. His post on social media on Thursday reinforced this commitment, emphasising a more participatory approach to recovery. This willingness to listen and respond is key to building confidence among those who rely on the sector for their survival. Yet, the recovery effort cannot rest on government shoulders alone. The minister’s appeal highlighted a larger truth—that rebuilding the region’s economy is a shared task. Ordinary citizens, by choosing to travel to Kashmir, can become participants in a quiet but powerful act of support. In this way, Naidu’s comments extend beyond official reassurance; they encourage a form of engagement that pairs personal experience with public good. This vision reframes national solidarity in practical terms—travelling with purpose, investing in peace, and helping ensure that violence does not dictate the future. The steps taken so far—from reopening the airport to engaging key stakeholders—signal a readiness to act. They reflect a belief that the effects of violence can be addressed with urgency and care, rather than delay and detachment. The visit by the Civil Aviation Minister, and the tone he struck, matter because they offer more than ritual comfort; they propose a path forward grounded in presence, participation, and a quiet insistence that hope is still possible. Kashmir’s tourism revival is not only an economic goal; it is a reflection of how a nation chooses to respond to terror and pain. Whether that response leads to renewal depends not on policy alone, but on how many are willing to walk the road back to the Valley.
Kashmir Calling
