<p>Srinagar:<strong> </strong>Even before the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</a> administration officially reopens 16 tourist destinations from June 17, a modest but significant number of tourists have begun arriving in <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/pahalgam">Pahalgam</a>—marking not just the return of visitors, but a powerful statement against fear and violence.</p>.<p>Nearly two months after the April 22 terror attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district killed 25 tourists and a local resident, the famed resort town is once again welcoming travellers drawn by its cool climate and natural beauty.</p>.<p>While the footfall is still far from peak season levels, those who are here say their visit is about more than just leisure.</p>.<p>“This isn’t just a trip—it’s a message,” said Atul Sharma, a tourist from Delhi. “Kashmir is as safe as any other <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/tourist">tourist</a> destination in the world. The only way to defeat terror is to refuse to be terrorized. We are here to show that Kashmir’s spirit is unbreakable.”</p>.TMC's Abhishek criticises Centre for 'lack' of accountability over Pahalgam attack .<p>A Srinagar-based family echoing the sentiment said visiting Pahalgam post-attack was their way of reclaiming peace. “We are enjoying the mountains, the calm, and the cool air,” said Aaliya, who came with her two children. “What happened was tragic, but life must go on. We urge people from all over India to come and see for themselves—Kashmir is safe, welcoming, and as beautiful as ever.”</p>.<p>On Friday, the J&K administration announced the reopening of 16 tourist spots after a detailed security review, with Lieutenant Governor <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/manoj-sinha">Manoj Sinha</a> stating that remaining destinations will reopen in phases. He reassured that safety arrangements are in place and that tourism must not become a casualty of fear.</p>.<p>Pahalgam, one of Kashmir’s premier travel destinations, had seen a wave of cancellations following the April attack. Locals, whose livelihoods depend on tourism, are hopeful that the returning trickle of visitors will soon become a steady stream.</p>.Can reopening tourist spots revive travel confidence in Kashmir after Pahalgam attack? .<p>“Even if it’s not a big crowd yet, it’s a start—and a statement,” said a local shopkeeper. “Every tourist who comes is helping us heal and resist what those behind the violence wanted to achieve.”</p>.<p>With the Valley’s lush meadows in bloom and security measures tightened, many believe the return of tourism can become the strongest rebuke to those who tried to silence it.</p>
<p>Srinagar:<strong> </strong>Even before the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</a> administration officially reopens 16 tourist destinations from June 17, a modest but significant number of tourists have begun arriving in <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/pahalgam">Pahalgam</a>—marking not just the return of visitors, but a powerful statement against fear and violence.</p>.<p>Nearly two months after the April 22 terror attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district killed 25 tourists and a local resident, the famed resort town is once again welcoming travellers drawn by its cool climate and natural beauty.</p>.<p>While the footfall is still far from peak season levels, those who are here say their visit is about more than just leisure.</p>.<p>“This isn’t just a trip—it’s a message,” said Atul Sharma, a tourist from Delhi. “Kashmir is as safe as any other <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/tourist">tourist</a> destination in the world. The only way to defeat terror is to refuse to be terrorized. We are here to show that Kashmir’s spirit is unbreakable.”</p>.TMC's Abhishek criticises Centre for 'lack' of accountability over Pahalgam attack .<p>A Srinagar-based family echoing the sentiment said visiting Pahalgam post-attack was their way of reclaiming peace. “We are enjoying the mountains, the calm, and the cool air,” said Aaliya, who came with her two children. “What happened was tragic, but life must go on. We urge people from all over India to come and see for themselves—Kashmir is safe, welcoming, and as beautiful as ever.”</p>.<p>On Friday, the J&K administration announced the reopening of 16 tourist spots after a detailed security review, with Lieutenant Governor <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/manoj-sinha">Manoj Sinha</a> stating that remaining destinations will reopen in phases. He reassured that safety arrangements are in place and that tourism must not become a casualty of fear.</p>.<p>Pahalgam, one of Kashmir’s premier travel destinations, had seen a wave of cancellations following the April attack. Locals, whose livelihoods depend on tourism, are hopeful that the returning trickle of visitors will soon become a steady stream.</p>.Can reopening tourist spots revive travel confidence in Kashmir after Pahalgam attack? .<p>“Even if it’s not a big crowd yet, it’s a start—and a statement,” said a local shopkeeper. “Every tourist who comes is helping us heal and resist what those behind the violence wanted to achieve.”</p>.<p>With the Valley’s lush meadows in bloom and security measures tightened, many believe the return of tourism can become the strongest rebuke to those who tried to silence it.</p>