Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
As the first anniversary of last year’s terror attack at the Baisaran Valley approaches, Pahalgam presents a picture of cautious recovery. One year after 26 civilians were gunned down by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, the town is still grappling with the aftershocks—visible not only in the tightened security grid but also in the sparse tourist presence that now defines its peak season.
Once a bustling hub in Kashmir’s tourism circuit, Pahalgam today feels quieter.
advertisement
While destinations such as Betaab Valley and Aru have reopened and are receiving visitors, the site of the attack—Baisaran Valley—remains sealed.
Entry and exit points are heavily guarded, with security forces maintaining round-the-clock surveillance, particularly across vulnerable stretches and higher-altitude areas surrounding the valley.
At the town’s entrance, a newly erected Martyrs Memorial commemorates the 26 victims.
The structure has become a focal point for remembrance, with visitors stopping to pay homage. It stands as a solemn reminder of the tragedy, even as the town attempts to turn a corner.
Security measures across Pahalgam have been significantly intensified over the past year.
Additional outposts have been set up, and regular patrolling has become the norm. Authorities have also implemented stricter verification protocols.
Tourists, local workers, and service providers are subject to detailed checks, and hawkers have been issued barcode-enabled identification cards containing their personal and residential details. The emphasis is clear: rebuild confidence through visible and sustained vigilance.
Yet, despite these efforts, footfall remains lower than usual. The memory of last year’s attack continues to weigh on travel decisions.
TOURISTS HOPEFUL ABOUT NORMALCY
Still, those who have made the journey speak of reassurance and a sense of safety on the ground.
Dilip from Nagpur, who is currently visiting, says, “I have been here for four days now. I will be here for the next 4-5 days. Yesterday, I came to know that it is going to be April 22 soon. But it has been almost a year since I last visited this place. There is no fear here. Tourists are coming here. They can enjoy Kashmir. Kashmir is such a beautiful place”.
“Yes, it takes time for the wounds to heal. No matter how well you treat it, it takes time for it to heal. But I feel that the wound will definitely heal soon,” he added.
A young tourist, Saleesh Punjabi, echoes this sentiment after traveling with his family. “It is a very safe environment. I have come here with my family. It is a very good place. I have been doing a lot of research to see if it is safe or not. Everything is safe. Everything is better now”.
Tripti from Maharashtra, who has spent several days in the region, also highlights the improved conditions.
“We have been here for three days. And it felt very good. The security is also very good. And it did not feel from anywhere that something is unsafe here. It is very safe. And I think people should come. It is very beautiful,” she asserted.
The events that followed the attack—from a mass tourist exodus to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan—had cast a long shadow over Kashmir’s tourism industry. One year on, the situation has stabilised, but recovery is gradual.
PAHALGAM ATTACK AND AFTERMATH
On April 22, 2025, four to five heavily armed terrorists of The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshore unit of Pakistan terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, gunned down 25 tourists and one local in one of the most dastardly attacks on Indian soil.
Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, annihilating Pakistan terrorist infrastructure and killing more than 100 terrorists with strikes deep inside inside the country.
This was followed by three-day hostilities between the two countries, before a ceasefire agreement was finally reached on May 10, 2025.
Meanwhile, for Pahalgam, the message remains consistent: the tragedy was an aberration, and the valley is safe.
But rebuilding trust takes time. For now, amid tight security and limited crowds, the town continues its slow but determined journey back to normalcy.
– Ends
Must Watch
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
