In a powerful act of solidarity, tourists are slowly returning to Jammu and Kashmir, days after the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists. Determined to send a clear message that fear will not dictate their travel plans, these visitors are making it clear that they will not let terror tactics drive them away from one of India’s most beautiful regions.
“I think this is the least we can do. When we came, we should not go back. This is part of India. We should enjoy this place,” said a tourist from Karnataka, who had been in Kashmir at the time of the attack. This sentiment echoed throughout the valley, with many tourists insisting that they would not let fear take away from their experience in the region.
The attack, which took place on April 22 in the scenic Baisaran meadow, left 26 people dead, all but one being tourists. The lone local victim, a pony handler, was killed while attempting to protect a tourist from the gunmen. In the aftermath of the attack, several tourists chose to leave, but others are now returning, determined to show their support for the people of Kashmir.
One woman from Karnataka, who was present in Kashmir when the attack occurred, shared her decision to stay on. “We were here when the attack happened, and 25 of our people went back. But I would say for the jawans (soldiers) of our country are giving their best and standing at the border,” she told NDTV. “This is the least we can do. We should not go back. This is part of India, and we should enjoy this place.”
As tourists trickle back, many have made it clear that they will not let the terrorists achieve their goal of creating fear and division. “The terrorists just wanted to create fear. To get rid of that fear, we should all come to Kashmir,” said one tourist, emphasizing the importance of standing strong in the face of violence.
The tragedy of April 22, when tourists were specifically targeted, left a lasting impact on those who were present. Many local residents have denied the claims that the attackers were targeting people based on religion, but a woman from Karnataka—whose state lost several residents in the attack—recalled the testimonies of widows whose husbands were shot after being asked about their religion. “The women who lost their husbands said this. Why would they lie?” she asked. “Why are people here in denial?”
Tourists from across the world are also returning to Kashmir. A woman from Vietnam, visiting the region, expressed her sorrow over the attack but reaffirmed her commitment to staying. “We heard a lot about the situation in Kashmir… I will be here for four days. It is very sad what happened, but the people here are very nice, and it is good to be here,” she said, reflecting the sentiment of many who are eager to support the region and its people.
While the situation remains delicate, the steady return of tourists serves as a powerful reminder that Kashmir is a part of India, and terrorism will not succeed in driving away the warmth and beauty of the region or its people.
Sources By Agencies
