Agencies with inputs from PTI, April 27, 2025 : Days after the tragic attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, including mostly tourists, the picturesque town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir is slowly returning to a sense of normalcy. The valley, known for its breathtaking beauty, has once again begun to welcome both domestic and international visitors, although there has been a noticeable dip in tourist numbers.
Visitors from Kolkata and Bangalore, speaking to India Today, expressed confidence in the region’s safety and emphasized that they were proceeding with their travel plans, including trips to Pahalgam. “Kashmir is safe now, everything is open, tourists are safe, everyone is coming, so please do come if you have plans,” said a tourist from Kolkata, standing beside a fully packed van. Mohammad Anas, a tourist from Surat, echoed similar sentiments, stating that business in Pahalgam was continuing as usual. “There is nothing to worry about. The Army, government, and locals are ensuring our safety. We were initially scared and considered leaving immediately after the incident, but the locals and the Army motivated us to stay and continue our trip,” he told ANI.
Foreign tourists also expressed confidence and a sense of security. A woman from Croatia who had arrived in Kashmir just a day after the attack shared that she and her companions felt completely safe. “We have been here for three to four days and everything has been wonderful. Your country is very beautiful, and the people are very kind. Despite hearing about the incident a day before our arrival, we came here anyway and are feeling very safe,” she said. Another tourist from Croatia emphasized that incidents like these could happen anywhere in the world. “I made many friends here. People are welcoming and kind. It’s important to remember that no place is entirely free of risks.”
On April 22, terrorists affiliated with a group based outside India opened fire on tourists at the popular Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, leading to a mass exodus of visitors. In the wake of the attack, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a heartfelt appeal to tourists, urging them not to abandon Kashmir, assuring them of their safety. “I understand the fear among tourists, but leaving now would hand a victory to those who wish to harm Kashmir. We must stand strong together,” he said.
Actor Atul Kulkarni, who arrived in Kashmir on Sunday, also appealed to the public to continue visiting the region. He emphasized that canceling travel plans would, inadvertently, serve the motives of those behind the violence. Kulkarni noted that his Mumbai-Srinagar flight, usually packed, was almost empty this time. Nonetheless, showing resilience, a group of tourists from Thailand arrived in the Valley just a day after the attack, expressing complete faith in the Government of India’s efforts to protect visitors.
Five days after the tragic event, the spirit of Pahalgam is slowly reviving. Streets that had fallen silent witnessed the return of tourists, albeit in fewer numbers, bringing a semblance of life back to the valley. While the Baisaran meadow remains closed for security reasons, other parts of Pahalgam have reopened to visitors.
Initially, the attack had led to a sharp decline, with tourist numbers plummeting from around 5,000-7,000 a day to barely a hundred. The sharp drop raised concerns among locals, many of whom depend heavily on tourism for their livelihood. However, Sunday saw heartening scenes as foreign and domestic tourists were seen exploring Pahalgam, reaffirming their belief in the region’s safety.
Visitors from Maharashtra stated that they felt safe with the support of their travel groups. “What will happen, will happen. We should not live in fear,” one tourist said. Croatian and Serbian tourists, frequent visitors to Kashmir, described their experience as peaceful and warm. “It is my tenth time in Kashmir, and every time has been fantastic,” said Vlatko, a Croatian tourist, adding that he and his group felt completely safe and welcomed.
Tourists consistently praised the hospitality of the locals, with many emphasizing that fear should not deter travel. Ljiljana, another Croatian visitor, shared that Kashmir’s natural beauty and the kindness of its people had made their trip memorable. Admir Jahic, also from Croatia, highlighted that unfortunate incidents happen globally, and safety is not guaranteed anywhere. “If you are afraid, you stay at home, but even then, risks exist. It happens everywhere,” he said.
The resilience of tourists choosing to stay, or newly arriving in Pahalgam, sends a powerful message. Some visitors declared that they were determined not to let terrorism dictate their lives. A tourist from Bangalore visiting with his family said, “The incident was tragic and we mourn the loss of lives, but we must show that our resolve is stronger. Terror cannot defeat our spirit.”
Locals, too, are making extraordinary efforts to reassure visitors. Beyond businesses reopening, residents are offering complimentary guidance to sightseeing spots, sharing souvenirs, and serving traditional Kashmiri kehwa as gestures of goodwill. “You can feel the warmth in every interaction here,” said Neha Chowdhary, a tourist. “We appeal to everyone across India to continue embracing Kashmiris with the same love they show visitors here.”
For the people of Pahalgam, every tourist walking through the streets is a message of hope, defiance, and a symbol that hate has not, and will not, triumph. As the security forces continue their operations to apprehend those responsible, the return of even a handful of visitors has given new meaning to the belief that peace and resilience will always prevail.
