Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 30 (ANI): Despite a noticeable decline in tourist numbers following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, many visitors who had pre-planned their trips have chosen to continue with their Kashmir vacations, citing visible security presence and a strong sense of safety.
Several travellers who spoke to ANI shared that although the recent violence had initially caused fear, their experiences on the ground have been overwhelmingly positive, with army personnel stationed throughout the region and safety measures visibly in place.
Mithu Maulik, a tourist visiting the Shri Gauri Shankar Temple, remarked, “It’s feeling really nice, there’s safety everywhere. We enjoyed sightseeing a lot and are having a great time. Before coming here, we were scared, but after arriving, it feels really good. There’s no fear at all.”
Keval Patel, a young visitor from Ahmedabad who came to witness the scenic “mini Switzerland” in Pahalgam, echoed similar sentiments. “I’m really enjoying it here. After the terrorist attack, things went quiet. Many people left for Srinagar and rushed to book return tickets. But now, the security is very tight. People can come here freely,” he said, adding that while some tourist spots are still closed, the area feels safe.
Recalling the horror of the attack, Patel explained, “Yes, I heard that a terrorist attack happened in Baisaran meadows. The attackers asked people whether they were Hindu or Muslim. Those unable to recite a prayer were killed, and the rest were spared. They only killed the men and told the women to go and tell Modi, ‘Come kill us.’”
Maumita Saha, a tourist from West Bengal, expressed similar confidence in the situation. “It feels really nice here in Pahalgam. There’s complete safety, and army personnel are present everywhere. Some tourist spots are closed, but otherwise, everything is good,” she said. “We visited Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and the Kargil War Memorial before arriving in Pahalgam. At first, we were hesitant, but after reaching, we faced no problems at all. This is the perfect time to visit—Kashmir is beautiful.”
The April 22 incident marked one of the deadliest terror attacks in Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, claiming the lives of 26 people.
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level security meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meeting, held days after the Cabinet Committee on Security met on April 23, reaffirmed India’s resolve to decisively combat terrorism.
Government sources said the Prime Minister expressed full confidence in the Indian Armed Forces and affirmed that they have complete operational freedom to respond to the attack in a manner and timing of their choosing.
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