Srinagar, Oct 26: Unfazed by terror, tourists continued to flock to Gulmarg.
On Thursday, terrorists targeted an Indian Army vehicle in the Bota Pathri region of Baramulla district as it was en route to the Nagin post in the Affarwat range, injuring one porter and a soldier. However, the renowned ski destination saw a steady stream of visitors the following day.
Ujjwal, a first-time visitor from Tripura, expressed confidence in his safety and told PTI, “The warmth of Kashmir and its people are so special that travelers feel safe here.”
Traveling with his wife and seven-year-old son, Ujjwal acknowledged hearing about the attack but remained undeterred. “We cannot stop living because of fear,” and reassured his concerned mother about their safety. He highlighted the reassuring words of their driver, who said, “I will take care of your safety.”
Ujjwal stressed that the hospitality of the local people, “Makes us feel so comfortable. I think that is what makes this place so special.”
Local tourism seems resilient despite the attack. Sudesh Kumar, a taxi driver from Jammu with 23 years of experience visiting Kashmir, stated he feels secure in the Valley. “There is so much security here,” he said after confirming safety with locals before arriving with a group.
Kumar reflected on the unpredictability of life, saying, “If not a terrorist attack, I might die in a road accident. So, why die every day?” He expressed concern for his financial obligations and hope for continued business, saying, “I have faith in God and whatever is his will, I will accept that.”
In response to the attack, security forces initiated aerial surveillance and a major counter-insurgency operation along the Line of Control. Although the Gondola cable car service was temporarily suspended as a precaution, it was later restored.
Local shopkeepers, however, voiced concerns about the attack’s potential impact on their businesses. A local tea seller remarked, “This attack will have an impact on our businesses for a few days,” despite tourists still enjoying the scenery. He added that some visitors have already canceled their plans, which is troubling for those dependent on tourism.
Meanwhile, the Gulmarg Gondola ropeway service was shut temporarily as a precautionary measure following the killing of four people, including two soldiers, in the terror attack. It was restored once police cordoned off the area.
The ropeway service has been restored after being shut for a few hours in the morning following Thursday’s terror attack, an official told PTI. The shutdown was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of tourists and staff, the official confirmed.
The Gondola, known for attracting tourists year-round with stunning views and unique mountain experiences, resumed operations after security assessments and measures were completed, they further said.
The Gulmarg Gondola is the second-longest and second-highest cable car service in the world. A two-stage lift ferries people to and from the Kongdoori mountain, near the Apharwat peak at a height of 13,976 feet.
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