Rajouri, April 24, 2025: In a heartwarming display of hospitality, the Muslim community in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, opened the doors of mosques to accommodate tourists stranded due to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, at Baisaran meadow, coupled with landslides in Ramban, led to significant travel disruptions, leaving many visitors stuck in Rajouri while attempting to travel via the Mughal Road.
With a large influx of Kashmir-bound vehicles arriving in Rajouri late on April 22, authorities restricted night-time movement on the Mughal Road for safety, leaving tourists without immediate accommodation options. In response, local residents and religious organizations, including the Islamic Welfare Organisation, stepped forward to provide shelter. “We learned that tourists, including women and children, were stuck in Rajouri, facing a troublesome situation. We decided to accommodate as many as possible, making necessary arrangements in Old Jamia Masjid, Rajouri city,” said Shafqat Mir, President of the Islamic Welfare Organisation. Mosques across the district, alongside temples, offered refuge, with some providing breakfast and other essentials to the stranded travelers.
The gesture comes amid a valley-wide shutdown and protests against the Pahalgam attack, with Rajouri observing school closures and business shutdowns on April 23 to express solidarity with the victims. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, partially reopened for one-way traffic on April 23, continues to pose challenges, prompting additional measures like a special train from Katra to New Delhi to assist stranded passengers.
The initiative reflects the community’s commitment to supporting visitors during a crisis, reinforcing Rajouri’s reputation for hospitality despite the region’s security challenges. As tourists gradually leave the valley, the Muslim community’s efforts have left a lasting impression, showcasing unity in the face of adversity.