On April 22, 28 tourists from Maharashtra had a stroke of luck in Pahalgam Terror Attack. They came to Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley on a holiday, but their journey took an unexpected turn. Waiting for their pony rides, they lingered for 15 minutes haggling for a lower price. This delay, as it later turned out, saved their lives.
Anil Kurane of Kolhapur remembered the incident, stating, “If there hadn’t been the delay, we would have been at the location when the terror attack happened. The roll of martyrs would have included our names as well.” Their luck did not stop there. Just as they were nearing the attack site, their driver ran to alert them about gunfire in the area. They turned back promptly and returned unharmed.
#FPNews: 28 tourists hailing from Kolhapur, Sangli, Pune, and Ratnagiri had reached Kashmir on April 17 for a holiday in Baisaran Valley. Now, they are recalling how they narrowly escaped the terror attack in Pahalgamhttps://t.co/HnkTj7bMqF
— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 24, 2025
Attack and Its Aftermath
Terrorists fired at tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley. The attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26, including Kolhapur, Sangli, Pune, and Ratnagiri tourists. A Nepali national was also killed. The 28 tourists from Maharashtra, who escaped narrowly, understood the severity of the situation only later.
On April 24, the bodies of the victims were taken back to their respective hometowns. The government made arrangements for more than 50 flights to bring the remains back, and 123 bereaved family members traveled with them. Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid respects to the victims, conveying the nation’s grief.
Looking Back at the Near Miss
This near-miss incident brings to the fore the uncertainty of life in war zones. The tourists’ 15-minute delay saved them from being trapped in the fatal attack. But it also brings to the fore the persistent security issues in Kashmir, where tourists and locals are frequently in harm’s way.
The episode highlights the sensitive balance between security and tourism in Kashmir. Though tourism is the backbone of the economy, it is also at risk due to the unstable conditions. While the government is in the process of enhancing security provisions, the state needs to take steps to develop an environment that will make the visitor feel secure without jeopardizing the safety of its people.
