'Kashmir is safe and stunning': Vietnamese tourists defy terror scare
A group of Vietnamese tourists visited Pahalgam, describing Kashmir as a "paradise" and expressing feelings of safety and welcome
NEW DELHI: Even after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people and led to the closure of many tourist spots, some visitors are still choosing to visit the area, a group of tourists from Vietnam visited Pahalgam on Thursday, calling
Kashmir
a 'paradise' and saying they felt safe and welcomed.
One tourist, visiting Kashmir for the first time, told news agency ANI, "This is the first time I came to Kashmir, and I had a wonderful amazing experience here, I've seen a lot of beautiful nature and how friendly people treat us very well, I feel a great time here. We have also bought a lot of stuff like Kashmiri shawls."
When asked about the April 22 attack, the visitor added, "I also heard that from the internet and some friends, somebody can be scared from that information, but I think because I also want to come here and recover Kashmir by myself so that is why that information did not make me feel scared, because when I came here a lot of people already welcomed us, they protected us very well and treated us very well, so that's why I feel Kashmir is very safe, beautiful exactly like what they say 'A haven on earth.'"
Another tourist, Samita, said, "Yes, our group is from Vietnam. In Kashmir, it feels like Paradise on earth, it's very different from Vietnam, with white mountains, and the climate is very cool here."
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The group also supported the local economy by buying traditional Kashmiri crafts and clothing.
"We have got some gifts for our friends and family in Vietnam because Kashmir is very famous for the local handicrafts and shawls. We appreciate their skills and we want to support the artisans here because after the terrorist attack, fewer tourists come here," Samita added.
Their visit has brought a small ray of hope for local tourism businesses still recovering after the attack.
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