In the shadow of recent violence that shook Pahalgam, an extraordinary story of resilience and humanity is emerging across Kashmir. The terror attack that targeted tourists left the Valley in mourning, but the legendary Kashmiri ethos of hospitality has proven stronger than fear.
The ultimate sacrifice of Syed Adil, a guide, who died protecting tourists, has become a powerful symbol of Kashmir’s commitment to its visitors. His heroism, alongside the actions of hundreds of Kashmiris who rallied to safeguard tourists in the attack’s aftermath, has rebuilt bridges of trust that violence sought to destroy.
“When I heard about the attack, I was very scared,” admits Rohina from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, who arrived with her family by road. “But then I thought, this is our country. If we are scared in our own country, then where will we go?”
Rather than cancelling their plans, Rohina’s family pressed forward with their Kashmir itinerary. “The people here are very helpful. Everyone should come here,” she insists, her confidence growing with each day spent in the Valley.
Rajesh Sharma, a software engineer from Bangalore who arrived three days after the attack, echoes similar sentiments. “My relatives begged me to cancel, but I’m glad I didn’t. The Kashmiris have gone above and beyond to make us feel safe. Our houseboat owner personally escorted us everywhere for the first two days until we felt comfortable.”
“The environment here is very safe. You come, see, and then judge,” Rohina advises potential visitors, dismissing armchair critics who form opinions without experiencing Kashmir firsthand.
For many tourists like Rohina, Kashmir’s natural beauty provides irresistible appeal. “In Gujarat, there is a lot of sun. It is very cold here,” she says appreciatively of the Valley’s refreshing climate. “This is heaven.”
Priya and Sunil Mehta, a couple from Mumbai celebrating their anniversary in Kashmir, shared their experience: “Our tour guide called us the day of the attack to reassure us. When we arrived, shopkeepers and hotel staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. One shopkeeper told us, ‘You are our guests sent by God, your safety is our responsibility.'”
Meanwhile, Kashmir’s business community expressed solidarity with the victims through an overwhelming response to a shutdown call issued by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other major business organisations. Across the Valley, candlelight protests illuminated the darkness as residents condemned the violence.
Meera Kapoor, travelling with her three children from Delhi, was particularly moved by the locals’ kindness. “On our second day, we were invited to a home-cooked meal by our driver’s family. They said they wanted us to know the true Kashmir. That meal and their warmth spoke louder than any news headline.”
Yet amidst the grief, tourism – the economic lifeblood of the region – shows signs of recovery. Rohina’s parting message captures the sentiment of many resilient visitors: “Tourism is the main business here. So, I encourage all tourists to come here and enjoy.”
As twilight falls over the Valley’s pristine landscapes, the message is clear: Kashmir continues to welcome the world with open arms, its spirit of hospitality unbroken by tragedy.