Anantnag, April 27:
Five days after the tragic terrorist attack shook the peaceful town of Pahalgam, signs of resilience and optimism are returning to the Valley. The popular tourist destination, which once welcomed between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors daily, had seen footfall falling to just 50–100 tourists in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
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However, on Sunday, the streets of Pahalgam witnessed a heartening revival as both domestic and foreign tourists resumed their visits, brining a sense of normalcy to the region.
Among the visitors were Croatian and Serbian tourists, who explored the town freely and praised Kashmir’s breathtaking beauty and the warmth of its people. Their presence offered a powerful message of solidarity and confidence in the Valley's enduring spirit.
Ljiljana, a tourist from Croatia, said she and her group, comprising 12 people — including two from Serbia — had been in Kashmir for three to four days and were thoroughly enjoying their stay. "We are feeling very safe here. Your country is very beautiful, and the people are very kind. We have had no problems during our stay. Kashmir is truly very beautiful, and we are extremely satisfied," she said.
Commenting on the recent attack, Ljiljana added, "We heard about the incident a day before arriving but were determined to visit. We feel completely safe here. What happened was terrible, and I hope those responsible are held accountable. I also hope such incidents stop, not just here but across the world."
Vlatko, another tourist from Croatia, echoed her sentiments. "This is my 10th visit to Kashmir, and every time, it’s fantastic. For me, Kashmir is number one in the world — natural beauty and soft, kind people. My group is very happy; it’s their first time here, Croatian and Serbian people," he said.
When asked about safety concerns following the attack, the Croatian tourist said, "I feel totally safe, no problem here. Everywhere, people greet you warmly — there is absolutely no fear."
Admir Jahic, another tourist from Croatia, shared similar views. "I feel wonderful here in Kashmir. I have made many friends; the people are incredibly welcoming. I'm very happy to meet such kind-hearted people," he said.
Reflecting on the attack, Admir added, "It's difficult to hear about such incidents, especially the way the media amplifies them. But I didn't feel any fear. I understand that such events are rare here — it can happen anywhere, even in Europe. No place is completely safe anymore. If fear keeps you home, you're still not immune to danger. I'm very sorry for what happened because these are wonderful people and a wonderful country. They deserve peace and prosperity, not fear. It hurts everyone."
Among them, Ivana from Serbia shared her appreciation, saying, "We are exploring more of your beautiful valley and country. Thank you very much for having us here. We had heard about the incident before leaving, but despite everything, we decided to come. This journey has been years in the making, and we knew Kashmir was beautiful. We expected nothing but good things, and so far, we've had a wonderful experience."
While foreign visitors continue to show resilience, an Indian perspective was also shared by Mohammad Anas from Surat, Gujarat, who is currently visiting Pahalgam. "We are enjoying our time here," he said. "Though we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our fellow tourists, life here continues as usual. Markets are open in Pahalgam, and there’s no reason to be afraid. The Indian Army is present, the government is supporting us, and the local people have been nothing but welcoming. Since my arrival, I haven’t felt any fear.”
He continued, "When we were on our way and heard about the incident, we were quite scared and thought about going back. But the locals and the army supported us a lot and assured us that there's no problem here. They encouraged us to come and see Pahalgam. What happened was terrible, and whoever did this did something very wrong it should never have happened."
The spirit of unity and courage was also visible in today's local protest, where the people of Pahalgam marched 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.(ANI)