Srinagar: Even before the Jammu and Kashmir administration officially reopens sixteen tourist destinations from June 17, a modest but meaningful number of tourists have reportedly started arriving in Pahalgam.

Nearly two months after the April 22 terror attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident, the famed resort town is once again welcoming travellers drawn by its cool climate and natural beauty, as reported by Deccan Herald on Monday.

While visitor numbers remain below peak season levels, many here emphasise that their visit is about more than leisure. “This isn’t just a trip—it’s a message. Kashmir is as safe as any other tourist destination in the world. The only way to defeat terror is to refuse to be terrorised. We are here to show that Kashmir’s spirit is unbreakable,” DH quoted Atul Sharma, a tourist from Delhi, as saying.

A Srinagar-based family echoed the sentiment, viewing their visit as a way to reclaim peace. “We are enjoying the mountains, the calm, and the cool air,” said Aaliya, who came with her two children. She acknowledged that the incident was tragic but emphasised that life must go on, urging people from across India to visit and see for themselves that Kashmir is safe, welcoming, and as beautiful as ever.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration recently announced the reopening of 16 tourist spots after a thorough security review. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured that remaining destinations will reopen in phases and emphasised that safety arrangements are in place, stressing that tourism must not fall victim to fear.

Pahalgam, one of Kashmir’s popular travel destinations, experienced widespread cancellations following the terror attack. Locals, whose livelihoods depend on tourism, are hopeful that the returning trickle of visitors will soon grow into a steady stream.

“Even if it’s not a big crowd yet, it’s a start—and a statement. Every tourist who comes is helping us heal and resist what those behind the violence wanted to achieve,” a local shopkeeper expressed.

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Bidar, July 26: The young woman who has accused BJP MLA Prabhu Chavan's son, Prateek Chavan, of cheating her with a false promise of marriage, has raised concerns over police inaction and sought the intervention of Karnataka Chief Minister.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, the Maharashtra-based woman alleged that despite filing a case days ago, Prateek has not been arrested. “I feel the police are not arresting him because he is the son of a powerful MLA. We are poor people and they are rich, so they are trying to crush us. The police have also filed a counter case against my family after I filed the complaint,” she said.

She urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to personally intervene. “We request the Chief Minister to call us and discuss this issue. I want justice. The law should be the same for everyone, regardless of who they are,” the woman added.

The complaint was lodged in connection with alleged cheating under the pretext of marriage.

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