Pahalgam Attack: Chandigarh Doctor Couple Flag Security Lapses

Chandigarh: In the wake of the horrific attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed at least 26 lives and left 17 injured on April 22, a doctor couple from Chandigarh has stepped forward to share their recent experience in the region.

Dr. G.S. Grewal, a well-known physician, and his wife, who returned from a four-day trip to Jammu and Kashmir on April 21, recounted their journey, expressing both admiration for the region’s natural beauty and deep concern over the lack of safety measures for tourists.

Dr. Grewal described how the region seemed to be thriving with tourism just days before the attack. He mentioned that he, along with his wife, daughter, and a friend, had flown from Chandigarh to Srinagar on April 18. He added that the plane, which had a capacity of 180 passengers, was full.

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Speaking to Tribune India, he said, “No tourist spot was empty. The Tulip Garden is outsourced to some private player and the ticket was Rs 150 per person. The local guide told us that recently, on one of the Sundays, there was a footfall of 88,000 tourists. Had there been no such barbaric incident, we would not have shared anything, but following the unfortunate incident, we want the government to wake up to the safety of tourists, who visit the place for enjoyment and relaxation, risking their lives.”

Despite this heavy tourist influx, Dr. Grewal noted that security presence was nearly non-existent. He mentioned that on the hilltops, which continue to be popular tourist destinations, visitors had to navigate narrow paths, either by trekking or riding ponies. However, throughout these stretches, they noticed a lack of security personnel, which gave the impression that the situation in the state had significantly improved.

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During their trip, the family also stayed at a quaint resort in Sonamarg called ‘Gaganvir’, run by a French woman, Odele, her Kashmiri husband Rashid, and their daughter Farah.

According to Tribune India, at the same time, a few local residents said they did not like people coming from other states to invest here in Kashmir. A guide said that “cultural invasion” was not liked by local residents. “The state is of Kashmiris, and we want to take care of it. Tourists can come, enjoy, and go,” one of the guides said.