Drabu pointed to a broader cultural pivot: mainstream cinema and public opinion now champion aggressive anti-terror tactics, signaling deep-rooted national solidarity. This marks a stark departure from past hesitations, fostering a united front against extremism.

However, Kashmir’s on-ground scenario lags. Security has tightened, but vulnerabilities persist, hampering full prevention of attacks. The tourism slump continued into this year, with the Tulip Season – a marquee event – underperforming badly. Local businesses reel, and the intangible loss of interpersonal bonds with mainland India looms large.

While tourism’s economic share is modest at under 8%, its role in weaving social fabrics is invaluable. Drabu critiqued the post-2019 era’s unmet goals on growth and employment, exacerbated by international trade tensions hitting apple orchards hard. He called for a policy audit, enhanced community engagement, and targeted interventions to restore confidence and propel economic momentum in the valley.