Historic Mughal Road Feels Economic Pinch in Wake of Pahalgam Attack

Shopian, May 16: The once-bustling Mughal Road, a vital economic artery connecting Shopian to Rajouri and Poonch districts, has fallen eerily silent in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, devastating local businesses already struggling after two years of economic hardship.

"It's like someone flipped a switch," said Jahangir Ahmad, whose tea stall in Heerpora village now stands mostly empty. "A day before the incident, it was business as usual—travellers stopped here for tea, snacks, and essentials. Now, we barely see a handful of vehicles in a day. It feels like the road has shut down again, just when we thought the season was picking up."

Heerpora, the last village on Shopian's side of the historic 84-kilometre mountain passage, typically serves as a vibrant rest stop for travellers. The mini-market that was teeming with commuters just before the attack now wears a deserted look, with shopkeepers reporting devastating drops in customer traffic.

The economic fallout extends far beyond roadside vendors. Shopian town itself has plunged into a commercial slump that merchants describe as unprecedented, even amid recent difficult years.

"It is not business as usual in the town," explained Mitha Gatoo, a prominent social activist from the area. "Nearly 70 percent of the local economy depends directly or indirectly on the movement of people and goods, particularly along the Mughal Road."

The timing couldn't be worse for the district. The road had only recently reopened after winter snow clearance operations, bringing a brief moment of economic optimism before the Pahalgam attack triggered the current crisis.

"From fruit traders and transporters to roadside vendors and shopkeepers, everyone is affected," Gatoo added. "The slowdown has created a ripple effect, hitting daily earnings and dampening market activity across sectors."

Local merchants paint a picture of compounding economic challenges. One trader, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that businesses had already been weathering "sluggish sales for at least the last two years," but added that "over the last few weeks, the market has been even slower."

The Mughal Road has evolved into a critical trade and travel link for Shopian's economy, which relies heavily on fruit exports and tourism. The current paralysis threatens to undermine the district's economic foundations as the crucial summer season approaches.