Pune tourists continue Kashmir expedition unfazed after narrowly missing Pahalgam attack
Amid the rush to leave Kashmir following the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, many tourists have defied fear and decided to stay back and continue their planned tour, which also includes several families from Pune. The presence of the Indian Armed Forces across Jammu and Kashmir, cooperation from local residents, and administrative efforts to maintain the law and order situation have helped tourist activities thrive again and tourists to feel protected.
'We arrived in Srinagar on April 21, and the Pahalgam visit was scheduled the next day. Fortunately, while enjoying a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, we got late and reached the Baisaran meadows at around 3 pm, when the terror attack had just happened. We saw people rushing and decided to leave the site while we were about to book the pony ride,' said Yashwant Ranaware, a resident of Aundh.
Ranaware and his wife were accompanied by the Awasare family, who returned to Srinagar the next day when private vehicle movement was allowed. After the attack, security personnel from various forces such as the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and others were commissioned to carry out combing operations to track down the terrorists.
While staying for two days in Srinagar, both families decided to let the situation get under control and then continue with the trip. 'We thought, why panic if the Armed Forces have launched their operations. And on Thursday, we headed to Gulmarg and enjoyed the Gondola ride and later went to Sonmarg. The same is the case with many other tourists as they have started enjoying again without fear,' added Ranaware.
Satish Awasare, a resident a Pune, told The Indian Express that the decision to continue with the tourism activities was possible because of the safe environment created by the Indian Armed Forces, prompt action by the local administration to get life back to normal while maintaining law and order despite the Red Alert in Kashmir, and the courteous residents who had helped us with accomodation, food and other essentials.
Currently, the situation is completely normal, and many tourists have been seen flocking to the tourist spots. 'I believe if we panic and avoid visiting Jammu and Kashmir, keeping in mind the threat, then we are losing the opportunity to enjoy the scenic locations, and this has a direct impact on the valley's economy, which is mostly dependent on tourism. After enjoying the remaining locations, we will be back in Pune next week,' added Awasare.
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