In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 lives, tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar are expressing a sense of security, attributing it to the warmth and support of the local community.
While Dal Lake remains bustling with visitors, drawing them to enjoy the valley’s picturesque landscapes, Pahalgam stands in stark contrast, largely deserted, with heavy security measures in place instead of the usual tourist crowds.
Vikram Bhai Vyas, a tourist from Vadodara, Gujarat, shared, “I don’t want to leave today. My experience here has been wonderful. The hoteliers have supported us throughout our stay, and we felt no fear. Locals have been welcoming. Tourists should visit, there’s no real danger.”
Another visitor, Bakul Sharma, who arrived on April 21, said, “We feel completely safe. There are no issues here. There’s no fear. People planning a visit should come without hesitation.”
Vaibhavi Vyas, also from Gujarat, noted that the visible presence of the army in the area helped reassure her.
However, Pahalgam’s Baisaran valley, the site of the recent attack, presents a different picture. Once crowded with tourists, it now shows a sparse presence, with only a few civilians and security personnel patrolling the area.
Meanwhile, security forces and Jammu and Kashmir authorities have intensified their crackdown on individuals linked to the attack.
On Saturday, authorities demolished a residential building in Chotipora village in Shopian district, allegedly associated with a terrorist believed to have been involved in the Pahalgam attack. Another house belonging to Zakir Ahmad Ganie, a suspect in the attack from Mutalhama village in Kulgam district, was also destroyed. Ganie has been active since 2023 and is thought to have directly participated in the attack.
Earlier, on Friday, the house of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Adil Thokar, also known as Adil Guree, was demolished. Guree, from Guree village in Bijbehara block of Anantnag, is believed to be responsible for the Pahalgam attack, which left 26 dead, including a Nepalese national, mostly tourists. The Anantnag Police have placed a Rs 20 lakh reward for any information leading to his arrest, and two Pakistani nationals have also been declared most wanted in connection with the attack.
The tragic incident, which occurred on April 22, when terrorists attacked innocent civilians at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, has sparked national outrage. Protests have erupted across India, calling for stronger action against Pakistan for its alleged role in supporting the terrorist attack.
Following the attack, the Indian Army has been placed on high alert, conducting several search operations to neutralize the terrorists involved. The country is demanding swift and decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future.
