Srinagar, Apr 24 (KNO): Amidst the shadow of recent tragedy at Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and left several others injured, hope and resilience are still echoing at world's famous ski-resort—Gulmarg as tourists continue to find warmth, safety and solidarity.
Tourists, currently in Gulmarg while speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that they feel secure and supported, while many urged fellow travellers not to give in to fear.
“Yes, the day of the incident was very frightening, but now there is nothing to worry about. Locals and security agencies are cooperating very well and we feel absolutely safe here,” said Rupali, a tourist from Mumbai.
Echoing similar sentiments, Jagnesh Mishra, another visitor, appealed to the travellers not to cancel their bookings. He said the Kashmiri people are incredibly supportive—from drivers to hoteliers, everyone has been welcoming.
“The Pahalgam incident was tragic and did cause fear but the way we have been treated here has motivated us to stay. There is no reason to panic,” Mishra added.
While the tragedy in Pahalgam left a deep scar, it has also united Kashmiris and tourists alike in collective grief and resilience, even as the Valley, often painted with narratives of fear, continues to reveal its true colours of hospitality, unity and undeterred hope.
The atmosphere in Gulmarg is calm, with enhanced security presence and visible efforts by locals to make visitors feel comfortable. “We are overwhelmed with the love and safety we have felt here. Those who attacked wanted to disturb peace, but it won’t work. People here are treating us like their own,” said another tourist, moved by the solidarity shown by the locals.
Similarly, a tourist from Karnataka, who expressed grief over the attack but at the same time stood firm in his decision to continue the visit, saying that the attack at Pahalgam was painful. “We are sorry for the lives lost.”
“We hope the government works to ensure such incidents don’t repeat, but we never felt like leaving the Valley out of fear. People here stood with us at every step,” he said, adding that they have been to Kashmir with a dream because it's a paradise on earth.
Earlier, a wave of concern gripped Kashmir’s tourism industry post-Pahalgam terror attack, leading to cancellations and fear among incoming tourists, however, the tourists here in valley reassure the world of their safety and locals extending their unwavering warmth—(KNO)