OTV takes stock of situation after Pahalgam terror attack; we feel safe as the Army is here, say tourists 

Things have changed a lot in Pahalgam, which recently witnessed a brutal terror attack leading to the killing of 26 tourists. The spot, which used to bustle with activities, now wears a deserted look post the terror attack, which has been condemned by India and other countries.

OTV visited Pahalgam to take stock of the situation at the popular tourist destination. On reaching the spot, a smaller number of tourists were seen enjoying their trip.

A tourist from Andhra Pradesh said, “Whatever happened was unfortunate. But now there is fear in the minds of tourists. However, police and others are helping us a lot. Other friends and relatives back home are worried for us as well.”

A local resident, who is a driver, said, “Earlier, the hotels used to remain booked. But after the recent attack, there has been a sharp fall in tourists. We hope that things will return to normalcy soon. We are telling tourists to protect  them at the cost of our lives.”

A tourist from Bhubaneswar said, “We had come here before the terror attack. We were worried and disturbed after the incident. But now the place has been secured, and security has been beefed up in Pahalgam and other parts. We urge the government to increase vigil.”
The tourist said that they had gone to Sonmarg and were returning when the terror attack took place.

“Kashmir is ours. We urge everybody to maintain peace and tranquillity. There is still fear in our minds, as nobody knows what will happen next. It is only the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of tourists,” said the tourist from Bhubaneswar, adding that they had dropped the idea of visiting Pahalgam after the attack.

On Saturday, one of the families from Odisha that visited Pahalgam expressed satisfaction over the security measures that have been put in place.

“We condemn the terror attack. We were deeply hurt after hearing about the terror attack and the death of a tourist from Odisha. We are initially confused whether to stay or return to Odisha,” said another tourist from Odisha.

Kashmir Known For Tourism

There is a lot of potential for the development of tourism in Kashmir. “I urge Kashmiri youth to focus on tourism and shun any kind of violence. One incident has occurred, and naturally, there is fear in our minds. But as we are now in Kashmir, we feel safe as security has been beefed up,” said another tourist from Odisha.

A tourist from Gujarat said, “The situation is now normal as the Army has been deployed and we do not feel any kind of threat. Whatever happened was wrong, and the government will take appropriate steps in this regard.”

We Feel Safe AsThe  Army Is Here For Us

A tourist said, “Everything is normal now. Earlier, there was fear, and now with the Indian Army around us, we feel safe. We are enjoying a lot here.”

Local MLA Altaf said, “It was an unfortunate episode. Everybody has condemned, and for the first time, there has been a shutdown in the past 35 years against terrorists. It is a message that people here want tourists to come here. Our Home Minister and other officials are taking up the matter with the concerned agencies. I do not have any answer from where the terrorists came from. 

According to the legislator, as far as the locals are considered, 1000 tourists were present, and it was the locals and others who saved the tourists during the terrorist attack.

“I want to convey the message to every citizen in India that do not stop visiting Kashmir and it is part of India. We have to come here in large numbers so that it sends a message to the terrorists. There are miscreants everywhere, but our forces are working and stern action will taken against those responsible for the incident,” the MLA added.