Around 200 tourists from Karnataka found themselves marooned across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir after a terrifying terrorist strike shook Pahalgam on April 22, leaving 28 civilians dead. Among them was Pooja Maney, an international bank dispute officer from Bengaluru, who had been vacationing in Gulmarg with her mother. “Just as we prepared to head to Pahalgam, a family member alerted us about the attack,” she said. Their local driver, Imtiaz, quickly stepped in, relocating them to safety at his residence in Srinagar.

Another traveller, Namrata H, who was on a family trip with her husband and son, narrowly missed the danger. They had departed Pahalgam shortly before the shooting began. “The attackers were disguised in army uniforms, so people assumed it was a military exercise,” she recalled. Poor mobile networks kept many unaware of the unfolding violence until strict checkpoints, shop closures, and military presence signalled something was terribly wrong.

Many tourists were left confused, unsure of their next move. Phone helplines were difficult to reach, and those who got through were advised to either remain in place or travel via Jammu—by flight or road. The abrupt lockdown, lack of clarity, and road barricades complicated movement for all.

Despite the turmoil, local residents, drivers, and guides emerged as lifelines—offering shelter, guidance, and safe transport. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Tourism Department responded by activating a helpline, fielding nearly 50 distress calls. Authorities are now arranging special flights to bring stranded families home.