Srinagar, April 27, 2025 – A group of 13 Croatian tourists has praised the safety and splendor of Kashmir, expressing confidence in the region despite the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22. Their visit, coinciding with actor Atul Kulkarni’s ‘Chalo Kashmir’ campaign, highlights the Valley’s resilience and hospitality as it grapples with a sharp decline in tourism following the tragedy.
“We’ve been here for 3-4 days and feel very safe,” a Croatian tourist said in Srinagar. “Your country is beautiful, and we’ve had no problems. Kashmir is stunning and secure. The people are so kind, and everything is wonderfully different.” The group learned of the attack—linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy The Resistance Front—just a day before arriving but chose to proceed. “We came anyway and feel completely safe,” the tourist affirmed.
The tourists’ positive experience bolsters Kulkarni’s campaign, launched to counter the nearly 80% cancellation of bookings that has left Kashmir’s tourism industry reeling. Kulkarni, known for Rang De Basanti, shared an inspiring poem on Instagram, translated as:
Let’s go to Kashmir, come along
Walk by the Sindhu and Jhelum’s song
Hear the essence of Kashmiriyat’s call
Be the voice of Kashmiris, one and all
Using hashtags like #ChaloKashmir and #DefeatTerror, he urged, “Terrorists want to keep people away from Kashmir. We must visit in droves to defy them,” pointing to the empty streets of Srinagar and sparse flights.
The Croatian group’s warm reception by locals reflects Kashmiriyat—the Valley’s ethos of harmony and hospitality. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has echoed the call to sustain tourism, warning that abandoning Kashmir would hand victory to terrorists. The attack has spurred a robust security response, with homes of 10 terrorists demolished and 14 local militants identified, alongside heightened India-Pakistan tensions over the incident.
“Croatian tourists feeling safe in Kashmir proves its spirit is unbreakable. #ChaloKashmir.” Their visit underscores Kashmir’s enduring appeal and supports efforts to revive its economy through tourism.
