Luck and Terror during Pahalgam Attack
The immediate aftermath of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow on April 22nd, 2025, saw harrowing accounts emerge from tourists who witnessed the violence or were nearby. Their experiences, shared upon returning from Jammu and Kashmir, paint a vivid picture of sudden terror, sheer luck dictating survival, logistical chaos, and unexpected kindness from local residents amidst the tragedy. These firsthand stories show the human side of the attack, going beyond just the official numbers.
Eyewitnesses share their Horror and Luck
For those present at Baisaran meadow when the attack commenced around 2:30 PM, the transition from serene enjoyment to deadly chaos was terrifyingly abrupt. Mihir Soni (26) and his wife Komal (25) from Jaipur were enjoying the view after buying snacks when gunfire erupted. "People started screaming and running," Mihir recounted. Komal attributes their survival to being positioned near the meadow's exit. "We were just 10 steps away," she explained. They managed to hide briefly before securing a pony ride, paying a significant sum (Rs 4,000) to escape quickly. Komal noted the absence of security personnel during their immediate escape route towards Pahalgam market, stating locals were the initial responders. Tragically, they recalled seeing Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and his wife Himanshi moments before the attack, near the same food vendor; Lt. Narwal was later confirmed among the deceased. Their experience highlights the role of chance and location in surviving the intense assault, which lasted for 20 minutes.
Impact on Tourists
Tourists in adjacent areas also felt the immediate shockwaves of the attack. Abhishek Kakran (33) and his family were in Chandanwari market, approximately 2 kilometers away. They witnessed the grim sight of bodies and injured individuals being transported from the scene. News of the attack quickly reached their concerned relatives back home, but poor mobile network connectivity hampered communication. Abhishek described the market rapidly shutting down as fear spread. Despite the terrifying circumstances, he emphasized the helpfulness of local drivers and their travel agent in ensuring their safety and departure.
Mohammad Ismail (40) and Ayyub Peerzade (39) from Thane were fortunate to have visited the Baisaran meadow the day before the attack, taking photographs at the very location where victims were later found. They were in Srinagar's Lal Chowk when they sensed something was wrong as shops began closing abruptly. Learning about the Pahalgam attack left Ayyub feeling "numb." Their subsequent experience at Srinagar airport reflected the heightened security and caution, with long queues and security camps established outside.
Many changed their itinerary and Travel plans
The attack prompted many tourists across Kashmir to immediately alter their travel plans. Rajita (42), part of a large pilgrim group from Hyderabad, recounted how news of the attack led them to cancel their planned visit to Pahalgam and book immediate flights home. Their group had already faced disruption due to a cloudburst blocking roads near the Jwala Devi temple. Rajita expressed gratitude that the earlier weather disruption had inadvertently prevented them from being in Pahalgam during the attack.
Jyoti (43) and Sachin Garg (50) from Gurgaon were in Gulmarg, having visited Pahalgam earlier in their trip. While physically safe, Sachin described feeling the fear ripple even from a distance. He observed that local residents were apprehensive, not only for their safety but also fearing the attack's detrimental impact on tourism and their livelihoods. Despite this anxiety, Jyoti spoke about the kindness shown by locals, noting many went out of their way to assist tourists in safely arranging their journeys home.
Tourists' stories show how sudden and brutal the Pahalgam attack was; surviving often came down to luck or being near an exit. The accounts highlight the immediate fear and chaos, messed-up travel plans, and trouble communicating. Importantly, many survivors also shared how kind and helpful local Kashmiris—drivers, agents, and regular folks—were during the crisis, showing humanity even in terror.
