The picturesque town of Pahalgam came alive with excitement as pony operators warmly welcomed the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims arriving for the annual pilgrimage. The atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation, marking a significant moment for both the operators and the local community.
In a heartwarming gesture, pony operators expressed their delight at the arrival of the pilgrims, viewing it as a powerful response to the recent terrorist attack that targeted innocent tourists on April 22. “This is a befitting answer to those who sought to instill fear in our hearts,” one operator stated. “Today, Pahalgam is buzzing with life and hope.”
The impact of the attack, which occurred approximately two and a half months ago, had severely affected the livelihoods of many in the area, particularly the pony operators who rely on tourism for their income. However, with the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra, there is a renewed sense of optimism. “We are hopeful that as the pilgrimage progresses, more tourists will return to Pahalgam, allowing us to restore our means of earning,” another operator told News24.
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