Tourists, operators pay tribute to victims at Razdan Pass
Bandipora, Apr 22: Tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday paid tributes to the victims of last year’s Pahalgam terror attack at Razdan Pass in North Kashmir’s Gurez sector, marking the first anniversary of the incident that left 26 persons, mostly tourists dead.
According to the details available, visitors, along with local tour operators and drivers, gathered at the high-altitude pass and observed a moment of silence in memory of those killed in one of the deadliest attacks targeting tourists in the Valley.
Several tourists said the tragedy had left a deep impact but asserted that such incidents would not weaken the spirit of unity or deter people from visiting Kashmir.
“We are deeply saddened by what happened last year. Such incidents leave a mark on everyone, but they cannot break our resolve. We feel safe here and have received immense warmth from locals,” said Ritika Sharma, a tourist from Mumbai.
Another visitor, Aamir Khan from Delhi, said the gathering was meant to send out a message of unity. “No power can divide Kashmir from the rest of the country. What we see here is togetherness, and that will always remain stronger,” he said.
Neha Gupta, a tourist from Jaipur, echoed similar sentiments. “Terror cannot divide us. The bond between people here is stronger than fear. We have come here not just to travel, but to stand in solidarity,” she said.
Local tourist guides also joined the tribute, saying Kashmir has always welcomed visitors and will continue to do so despite attempts to disrupt normalcy.
“Kashmir has always opened its doors to guests. No incident can change that spirit,” said Ghulam Nabi, a local guide in Gurez.
Another guide, Yasir Ahmad, said the presence of tourists on the anniversary reflected resilience. “This itself is a message that fear will not prevail and unity will remain intact,” he said.
The event concluded with prayers for peace and a pledge to uphold unity.
On April 22 last year, 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed when terrorists attacked Pahalgam in south Kashmir, triggering widespread outrage.
In the aftermath of the attack, India launched a military operation in May targeting terror infrastructure across the border and destroyed nine terrorist camps.
Meanwhile, the Army reiterated its resolve to counter terrorism, stating that any attempt to target civilians or destabilise peace would be met with a firm response—(KNO)
