Just 5 days after terror attack, Pahalgam witnesses tourist rush

The area, often referred to as "Little Switzerland," reopened to visitors just days after Tuesday’s attack, though Ground Zero of the incident — Baisaran meadow — remains closed, according to media reports.

Following the attack, the bustling tourist hub, which typically saw 5,000 to 7,000 sightseers daily, had emptied out, with barely 100 tourists in the immediate aftermath, raising concerns about unemployment among locals dependent on tourism.

However, by Sunday, a heartening scene unfolded as foreign and domestic tourists returned, strolling through Pahalgam’s streets and restoring a sense of normalcy.

Displaying resilience and optimism, visitors from across India said they decided to proceed with their plans.

A group from Maharashtra said they were not afraid, noting the support from travel agents and their tour group, reported NDTV.

"We should not be afraid. What will happen, will happen," one of them remarked.

The Bandish Bandits actor shared glimpses of his journey from Mumbai to Srinagar on Instagram on Sunday, posting photos of empty seats on his flight and his boarding pass.

Atul also included a heartfelt note he received from the flight crew. Captioning the post, he wrote, "Mumbai to Srinagar. The crew says they were running full. We need to fill them up again. Chaliye ji, Kashmir chalein.

"Foreign tourists, including groups from Croatia and Serbia, were also seen exploring the town.

Vlatko, a Croatian tourist, said, "It is my 10th time in Kashmir and every time it is fantastic. For me, it is number one in the world, natural, soft people. My group is very happy; it's their first time here, Croatian and Serbian people."

Asked about safety, he added, "I feel totally safe, no problem here. Everywhere, people say hello – zero, zero scared."

Ljiljana from Croatia told ANI that they felt "very safe" and praised Kashmir’s beauty and the kindness of its people.

Admir Jahic, another Croatian tourist, echoed similar sentiments.

Asked about the attack, he said, "I didn't feel any fear. I know it is not something that regularly happens here. If you are afraid, you can stay at home, but even there it can happen. It happens in Europe, it happens everywhere. There's no safe place in the world anymore."