An internal list released by the Pune district collector`s office confirms that over 2000 tourists from the city are currently in Jammu & Kashmir, with many stranded after the recent incident. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 356 tourists had contacted the local District Information Office (DIO) for help with evacuation and safe return, according to district collector Jitendra Dudi.
Ashvarya Gosavi from Bhosari, who traveled to Kashmir with her family, said, “After the Pahalgam attack, our phones started ringing continuously. There is a network issue here, but we are safe.” Her WhatsApp status also reassures that the family is safe. Kavita Kedari, who had long planned a visit to Kashmir, cancelled her trip following Tuesday’s attack. “After my daughter`s Std X exam, we had planned to visit Kashmir with the entire family, but we had to cancel it,” she said.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the holiday season. With summer vacations ongoing, nearly 2000 tourists from Pune had planned trips to the Valley. Many families are now cancelling or postponing their plans due to safety concerns.
District collector officials said local authorities and tour operators are coordinating with the J&K administration to ensure the safe return of stranded tourists. The Chief Minister’s Office stated that Minister Ashish Shelar and Mangalprabhat Lodha will assist at Mumbai airport, Minister Madhuri Tai Misal will coordinate at Pune airport, and Minister Girish Mahajan is heading to Srinagar.
The Pune travel association has urged support, as travel agencies remain on alert after the Pahalgam attack. “Whether the remaining itinerary can go ahead as scheduled will depend on how the situation unfolds. The safety of the tourists is our utmost priority, and decisions will be taken accordingly,” said tour operators.
Nilesh Bhansali, director of the Pune Travel Agencies Association, urged the government to support tourism companies in case of any hurdles in bringing tourists back. “Airlines should also refrain from exploiting the situation by unfairly increasing airfare,” he added.
‘Still shaken’
Mukta Gosavi, a resident of Bhosari, Pune, narrowly escaped the recent Pahalgam attack. She was on a tour with her family and friends, including her daughter Nidhi and husband Nilesh Gosavi, Mukta told mid-day, “We had just moved a kilometre ahead from the location when suddenly chaos erupted.
People began running in all directions, horses started bolting, and tourist vehicles turned back in panic. We were told that firing had started. She added, “As we moved ahead, we saw ambulances, military vehicles, and army personnel everywhere. It was only the fourth day of our tour. On the first day, we witnessed a landslide; on the third day, this terror attack.”
Despite the fear, her group continued to Srinagar as planned. “The airport was overcrowded. Many tourists cancelled their trips. We stayed. The guides, tourist agents, and locals have been helpful. Today, we saw army convoys, helicopters, and heavy checking everywhere. Seeing the news online was heartbreaking. We are still shaken,” she said.
‘Cowardly attack’
Vijender Singh, Olympic bronze-medal winning boxer via X
‘Our brave soldiers will definitely give a befitting reply to this cowardly attack in the coming times. In the presence of the brave sons of Mother India, the plans of those who want to disturb the peace in Jammu and Kashmir will never succeed’
Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister
‘The horrific terrorist attack is utterly devastating. My thoughts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India’
Muhammad Yunus, Bangladeshi Chief Adviser
‘Please accept my deepest condolences over the loss of life resulting from the terrorist attack. We strongly condemn this heinous act. Let me reaffirm Bangladesh’s resolute stand against terrorism’
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
‘The Secretary-General strongly condemns the armed attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April’
