Diplomat Correspondent
Pahalgam, (DD): In the quiet hills of Pahalgam, the rhythmic clatter of pony hooves once echoed along the Lidder River, drawing visitors to this breathtaking corner of Kashmir. But since the April 22 terror attack, the valley’s vibrant tourism economy has come to a crashing halt — and the worst-hit are the ponywallas whose lives revolve around tourists.
The stables are full, but the trails lie empty.
“Our ponies are eating, but we are not,” says Rafiq Ahmad, a 52-year-old ponywalla with three horses and six mouths to feed. “From morning till evening, we wait in the sun, hoping someone might show up. But it’s all silence.”
The attack that targeted a security convoy just outside Pahalgam sparked panic and a mass exodus of tourists. Since then, the local economy — heavily reliant on tourism — has collapsed. Ponywallas, hoteliers, small vendors, and tea stall owners are among the worst affected.
“April to June is our golden time. We earn for the whole year during these months,” says Junaid Khan, a 24-year-old graduate who works seasonally with his father’s pony business. “Now, I’m thinking of selling one of our ponies just to buy ration. What choice do we have?”
Even the scenic Betaab Valley, usually teeming with visitors this time of year, stands deserted. Gulzar Dar, a veteran pony handler, recalls better times: “A few years ago, you couldn’t see the path because of tourists. Now, even the pine trees seem sad.”
For many ponywallas, their only source of income has vanished overnight. Their daily earnings — ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 depending on bookings — have dropped to zero for over three weeks.
Adding to the despair is the lack of official response.
“No one from the administration has come to ask how we are managing. We are not terrorists, we are victims of terrorism,” says Mumtaz Ali, visibly frustrated. “We want security, yes — but we also want food on the table.”
The ponywallas are urging the government to launch a relief package, including direct financial assistance, fodder support for animals, and a tourism revival plan.
Meanwhile, community leaders are trying to keep hope alive. “If peace returns, tourists will too,” says Bashir Lone, president of the local ponywalla union. “But until then, we need urgent help — not promises.”
For now, Pahalgam waits. The river flows, the meadows bloom, and the ponies remain saddled — but without riders(DD)
