Tourists return to Pahalgam with hope and confidence
Five days after the shocking terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a wave of resilience and optimism is sweeping through the Valley. What was once a bustling hub welcoming 5,000 to 7,000 tourists daily had seen a dramatic dip to just 50–100 visitors in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
On Sunday, however, a heartening scene unfolded on the streets of Pahalgam as foreign and domestic tourists once again strolled through the town, bringing a sense of normalcy and hope back to the region.
Croatian and Serbian tourists were seen exploring the streets of Pahalgam, expressing admiration for Kashmir’s unmatched beauty and the warmth of its people.
Ljiljana from Croatia said, “We have come here for three to four days. We are feeling very safe, and your country is very beautiful. We have no problem staying here. Kashmir is beautiful, very beautiful. We are very satisfied, and the people here are very kind. We are a group of 12 people, including two from Serbia and the others from Croatia.”
Speaking about the recent attack, she added, “We heard about the incident a day before we arrived. But we decided we must go to Kashmir. We are feeling very safe, and everything is okay. It’s terrible what happened. I hope this violence stops not just here but across the world.”
Vlatko, also from Croatia, shared, “It’s my tenth time in Kashmir, and every time it’s fantastic. For me, it’s the number one place in the world. My group is very happy — it’s their first time here.” Asked about safety concerns following the attack, he said, “I feel totally safe; no problem here.”
Admir Jahic, another tourist from Croatia, echoed similar sentiments. “I feel wonderful in Kashmir. I have made so many friends here; the people are very welcoming. I’m very happy to meet such kind people,” he said. Speaking about the attack, he added, “It’s not easy to hear something like that, especially the way the media portrays it. But I didn’t feel fear. Incidents can happen anywhere — in Europe, in other parts of the world. Fear shouldn’t stop you from traveling and meeting people. I’m very sorry for what happened. These are wonderful people and a wonderful country. They deserve peace and prosperity, not fear.”
Amid these international voices, Mohammad Anas from Surat, Gujarat, added an Indian perspective. “We are enjoying our time here in Kashmir. Right now, we are in Pahalgam. We are deeply saddened by the deaths of our fellow tourist brothers — it’s a huge loss for us. However, the markets and everything else are open here. There’s nothing to be afraid of. The Indian Army is here, the government is with us, and the local people are supporting us,” he said.
The spirit of unity and courage was also on display during a local protest march on Sunday, where the people of Pahalgam walked with the national flag in defiance of terror. Despite recent events, the undying charm of Kashmir, the warmth of its people, and the resilience of its spirit are beginning to bring travelers back — one step at a time.
J & K