In the aftermath of a painful tragedy at Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives and shook the Valley, the resilience of Kashmir and the courage of its people and visitors are quietly writing a different narrative. Tourists currently staying in the valley have found a sense of comfort that defies the fears stirred by the recent terror incident. Despite initial anxieties, many travelers have stayed on as they discovered something deeper — a genuine sense of care and connection with the people around them. The locals, from hoteliers and drivers to vendors and guides, have extended an embrace that words barely capture. The bond formed between host and guest, visible in media reports, has in many cases, turned into something that resembles kinship. Safety measures have clearly been stepped up, and both locals and security personnel have become more visible, not in a way that causes unease, but rather in a manner that reinforces a quiet confidence. The air may carry a whisper of sadness from recent events, but it also carries the voices of visitors who speak of peace, warmth and the comfort of feeling looked after. These are not voices shaped by television screens or distant commentary — they come from experience, from walking the streets, riding the Gondola, sipping kahwa, and looking into the eyes of strangers who no longer feel like strangers. More than 15,000 people have taken the Gondola ride in just 48 hours, a reflection of how life, though dented by pain, refuses to come to a halt. The figures do not speak loudly of defiance; rather, they hint at a quieter truth — that people, given safety and kindness, will return, will trust, and will continue to explore. At the heart of this is the human need to connect, to see the world, and to believe that tragedies, however brutal, are not the full story. The authorities have responded with practical steps. A relaxed refund policy and a round-the-clock helpline serve not just as administrative responses but as signals that visitors are being thought of and cared for. Names and numbers have been published not as bureaucratic listings but as real connections, real people behind the phones, ready to help someone who may be uncertain or lost. Visitors have spoken of the love they’ve received, the thoughtful gestures, the feeling of being welcomed into homes, of being served traditional tea as though they were long-lost family. These moments do not undo the grief that shadows the region. But they stand beside it, refusing to let sorrow be the only emotion in the room. Kashmir is more than a place marked on travel maps. For countless people, it lives in imagination—shaped by tales, old photographs, and cherished memories handed down over time. Though recent events have left that vision bruised, it endures. In fact, in the wake of tragedy, its essence has grown stronger. Many travellers who could have turned away have instead remained, grounded by something deeper than sightseeing. And in this delicate balance, one truth becomes clear: fear may come suddenly and without warning, but where compassion and warmth are constant, it never finds a lasting home.
Hope Prevails
