Hope trumps fear in Kashmir, tourists returning to Valley days after Pahalgam terror attack

A week after terrorists opened fire on people in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians, tourists are flocking back to the town. Following the April 22 attack, the region wore a deserted look with tourist attractions shut and markets closed. However, as days have passed, Pahalgam seems to be coming back to life.

Locals reassure tourists

Locals in Kashmir, many of whose businesses have taken a hit since the attack, have been reassuring tourists and urging them not to cut short their trips. While some tourists had to swallow a bitter pill and continue staying in the region despite security threats as flying back to home immediately proved expensive.

Bollywood actor Atul Kulkarni was among those encouraging tourists to visit Pahalgam, making his trip to the town just days after the attack. Speaking to BBC Hindi, he said that if militants were trying to send a message to stop visitors from coming to Kashmir, the appropriate response should be to come in even greater numbers.

“Don’t cancel bookings, cancel your other plans and come here,” he said.

Tourists resolved to visit Kashmir

Meanwhile, other places in Kashmir have also been witnessing a slow rise in tourism after the April 22 attack.

A tourist, visiting Bhaderwah, said, “The attack that happened a few days ago in Pahalgam, the act done by Pakistan, is very shameful, and our government will definitely give them a befitting reply. Their aim behind attacking tourists was to reduce tourism here. But this will not happen. Kashmir was ours, is ours and will remain ours. "

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#WATCH | Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir: "The attack that happened a few days ago in Pahalgam, the act done by Pakistan, is very shameful, and our government will definitely give them a befitting reply. Their aim behind attacking tourists was to reduce tourism here. But this will… https://t.co/p8FmjLdugN pic.twitter.com/E87JbcVJMx

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2025

Popular tourist spots shut

On the other hand, authorities have shut nearly 50 public parks and gardens located in vulnerable areas of the Kashmir valley in the wake of the attack.

Gates have been closed at 48 of the 87 public parks and gardens in Kashmir in view of the threat perception to tourists.

Officials said the security review was an ongoing process and more locations may be added to the list in the coming days.

The spots put off limit for the tourists include Dooshpathri, Kokernag, Duksum, Sinthan Top, Acchabal, Bangus valley, Margan Top and Tosamaidan.

With inputs from agencies