Just five days after terror struck the serene town of Pahalgam, claiming 26 innocent lives, the spirit of resilience has begun to shine through. Defying fear, tourists who had planned their summer trips to Kashmir are sticking to their itineraries, choosing hope over hesitation. Their common sentiment: "We thought about it and still decided to come."

Often referred to as "Little Switzerland" for its breathtaking beauty, Pahalgam cautiously reopened to visitors just days after the brutal assault. However, Baisaran Meadow—the site where gunmen emerged from dense pine forests to attack unsuspecting tourists—remains closed to the public for now.

In the immediate aftermath, the once-bustling streets of Pahalgam fell eerily silent. Where crowds of 5,000 to 7,000 would typically throng the picturesque lanes, barely a hundred remained, casting a dark shadow over the livelihoods of locals who rely heavily on tourism.

But Sunday brought a different story. In a scene full of renewed energy, both Indian and international tourists were seen strolling the town’s charming streets, slowly breathing life back into the battered town.

With remarkable courage and an unwavering spirit, travelers expressed that incidents like these could occur anywhere. A group from Maharashtra shared that they felt reassured by their travel agency's support, adding, "We shouldn’t live in fear. What’s destined will happen."

International tourists, too, showed confidence and affection for the valley. Croatian and Serbian visitors wandered through Pahalgam’s streets with visible ease.

"It’s my tenth visit to Kashmir, and every time it feels magical," said Vlatko from Croatia. "For me, this is the most beautiful place in the world—the nature, the kindness of the people. My group, visiting for the first time, feels the same."

When asked about safety concerns, Vlatko responded, "I feel completely safe. There’s absolutely nothing to fear. Everyone greets you warmly; there’s zero fear here."

Ljiljana, also from Croatia, echoed the sentiment in her conversation with ANI. "We feel perfectly safe here. Kashmir is stunning, and the people are incredibly kind. We are absolutely enchanted by your nature and hospitality," she said with a bright smile.

Another visitor, Admir Jahic, added that fear was not a factor for him. Reflecting on the attack, he remarked, "I wasn't scared. I understand this isn’t an everyday occurrence. Fear can trap you even at home—it can happen anywhere, in Europe, in any part of the world. Sadly, there’s no place that’s completely safe anymore."

As tourists slowly reclaim the streets of Pahalgam, they are not just reviving the town’s economy—they are also rekindling a powerful message: that fear will not silence Kashmir’s beauty, nor the spirit of those who cherish it.