Pahalgam terror attack: Tourists narrate their ordeal after Kashmir violence

Maharashtra tourists arrive safely in Mumbai after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Scores of tourists returned safely to Mumbai on April 24 after a terror attack in Kashmir claimed over two dozen lives, most of them from Maharashtra. The returning tourists were greeted with white roses and chocolates by local politicians at the Mumbai international airport. Passengers, visibly relieved, told mid-day they breathed easy only after boarding the special flights on Thursday.

In the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, 26 people were killed. Following the incident, the Indian government arranged special flights to evacuate stranded tourists, who were advised to remain indoors. Not all hotels were provided with armed security, adding to their anxiety. Most of the tourists were headed to Pahalgam from Srinagar, but while checking options for adventure activities, they came across news of the attack and quickly returned to their hotels. Videos and images of the scene spread rapidly on social media and WhatsApp.

Hope, smiles and relief: Maharashtra tourists stranded in Kashmir reach Mumbai; check photos

5 days agoPHOTO GALLERY

Rakesh, Sayee, and Aaradhya Jadhav arrive safely in Mumbai post the attack

Sayee Jadhav, who was travelling with her husband Rakesh and their 13-year-old son Aaradhya, said, "We reached Jammu & Kashmir on April 19. On the day of the attack, we were in Srinagar and planning to go to Pahalgam. But when we searched for Pahalgam, we saw reports of the terror attack and decided to return to our hotel. Armed forces were deployed outside."

She added, "The army told us to stay inside. They assured us of our safety. Though we were stuck in the hotel for two days and all flights were cancelled, we felt safer thanks to the army. Even travelling to the airport was scary. We thank the government for bringing us back safely."

‘Relieved to be back'

Ashok Mahindra
"We arrived in Jammu & Kashmir on April 22. Hotel staff informed us about the Pahalgam incident. We didn't step out at all. In the evening, the hotel held a moment of silence for the victims. Though we were afraid, the army's presence was reassuring."

Tourist Ishwara Daga
who had gone for the Morari Bapu Ramkatha event in Srinagar, said, "We reached on April 18. On the fifth day, the attack happened and we were told to stay indoors."

Shashikala Pachange
who also attended the event, returned to Mumbai on Thursday.

Kamal and Lalita Maniya
from Kharghar shared a similar experience. "We reached Srinagar on April 18 for the Ramkatha event. After news of the attack broke, the event was cancelled and we were told to remain in the hotel. We were terrified, but the army outside was a huge relief," they said.

Anshika Singh
who was in Gulmarg with her husband and two-year-old child, said, "We were nervous till we boarded the flight. Only once inside, we felt at ease. The news spread like wildfire. Our taxi drivers rushed us back to the hotel and asked us not to step out. The state as well as the Central government, helped us come back safely to Mumbai"Her husband Manish added, "We were to return on April 27, but had to change our travel plans. I'm just glad my wife and child are safe."

Nidhi Chitre
A teacher from Mumbai says, "Due to the attack, I had to return early. I'll definitely go back again someday"