A Symbolic Yet Strategic Visit
Srinagar 10 June 2025: In a region long battling the dual pressures of conflict and negative perception, the recent visit by eight judges from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, accompanied by their families, has resonated far beyond courtrooms and gardens.
Following the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, this high-profile, non-political presence in Kashmir serves as an unspoken but powerful endorsement: the Valley is safe, welcoming, and open for tourism.
The Delegation: Law Meets Leisure
The judicial delegation included:
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Justice Vinod S. Bharadwaj
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Justice Pankaj Jain
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Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi
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Justice Nidhi Gupta
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Justice Harkesh Manuja
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Justice Aman Choudhary
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Justice N.S. Shekawat
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Justice Vikram Aggarwal
Their itinerary covered:
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The historic Mughal Gardens
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The majestic Pari Mahal
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A tranquil shikara ride on Dal Lake
By visiting public, tourist-heavy spots, and interacting with locals, the judges offered what state PR machinery often cannot: a credible, civilian validation of safety and normalcy.
Post-Pahalgam Context: Tourism in Crisis
The visit comes at a critical time for Kashmir’s tourism-dependent economy. After a booming winter and spring season, the April 22 Pahalgam attack caused a ripple of cancellations and travel warnings.
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Bookings for April-May dropped by 30–40%, according to regional travel associations.
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Hoteliers reported a surge in refunds and hesitancy, particularly among domestic group travelers and senior citizens.
The tourism industry, which supports over 20% of Kashmir’s workforce, was teetering on the edge of another downturn.
Why This Visit Matters: Rebuilding Trust
01. Security Confidence from the Judiciary
Unlike a government campaign or political rally, a family-oriented tour by respected high court judges sends a neutral, independent message of confidence in security conditions.
Justice Vikram Aggarwal’s public remarks, urging Indians to visit Kashmir and assuring them of safety, were widely shared and covered by national media — amplifying the message organically.
02. Narrative Shift: From Tragedy to Trust
The visit helps to reframe public perception. While news of attacks dominates headlines, visits like this remind people that life in Kashmir continues — resilient and hopeful.
03. Families Matter: The Normalcy Multiplier
That the judges brought their families adds emotional and symbolic weight. It implies not only confidence in security but a genuine sense of comfort and warmth — an image far removed from bulletproof cars and escort convoys.
Economic Impact: Early Signs of Recovery
Local tourism stakeholders are already reporting an uptick in inquiries:
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Call volumes to local travel agents increased by 15% in the days following the visit.
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Some Srinagar-based hotels report rebookings from Delhi, Punjab, and Maharashtra that had been cancelled earlier.
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Airlines operating Srinagar-bound flights have noted a dip in cancellation rates, particularly on weekend bookings.
The judges’ visit has been dubbed by a local hotel association head as “the best publicity we never paid for.”
Strategic Messaging: Quiet Diplomacy by the Judiciary?
Though unofficial, the visit could be interpreted as part of a larger soft power strategy to counter fear narratives:
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High-ranking judicial figures carry moral and civic authority.
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Their quiet vacation visit — rather than a press-heavy campaign — has a natural credibility.
It aligns with broader state efforts to “normalize” Kashmir’s image as a tourist destination post-Article 370 — but without appearing forced or manufactured.
What This Means Going Forward
01. Tourism Sentiment Shift
If such visits continue — whether by officials, influencers, or community leaders — they could sustain a positive tourism narrative into the fall and winter seasons.
02. Support for Local Economy
Tourism generates employment across hospitality, transport, handicrafts, food, and adventure sectors. Reigniting tourist confidence means reviving livelihoods for thousands in rural and urban Kashmir alike.
03. Blueprint for Reputation Repair
Kashmir’s challenge has always been less about security and more about perception. This visit offers a model for organic image building — through respected voices, not just marketing.
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Bottom-Line: When Presence Speaks Louder Than Policy
While Kashmir has seen many slogans — “Paradise on Earth,” “Come Fall in Love with Kashmir” — none resonate as deeply as the presence of real people, unafraid to visit, and willing to be seen.
The recent judicial tour might seem like a small gesture, but in a place where every act is interpreted through the lens of politics and peace, it has delivered something vital: confidence.
And in the Valley, confidence — like spring — can transform everything.
