Udupi Tourists in Kashmir Confirm Safety After Pahalgam Attack
Udupi – A family from Udupi currently on a vacation in Jammu and Kashmir has confirmed their safety following a terror attack in Pahalgam, which prompted a region-wide security clampdown and local shutdown.
Birthi Rajesh Shetty, a member of the tourist family, shared their experience, saying, “This is the first time tourists have been the direct target of such violence. It was shocking. The route to Sonamarg is empty, and locals are observing a Black Day in mourning.”
The attack has stirred widespread grief among Kashmiris, with locals lamenting the blow such events deal to both public safety and the tourism sector, a vital part of the region’s economy. Despite the emotional fallout, security has been stepped up significantly, with army personnel and police deployed in key areas to restore normalcy and assure safety.
Rajesh Shetty added, “Though shaken, we’re grateful for the prompt government response. The atmosphere is tense, but tourists need not panic. We thank the authorities for their swift measures.”
The family, who landed in Srinagar on April 21, had enjoyed visits to Dal Lake, gardens, and parks. Their planned April 23 visit to Pahalgam was cancelled due to the attack. Instead, they rerouted towards Sonamarg, prioritizing safety.
This incident underscores the fragile balance between tourism and security in Kashmir and the resilience of both locals and visitors in the face of adversity.
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