‘Agli Chutti Kashmir Mein Hi Hhogi’: Bollywood Actor Suniel Shetty

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, April 26: Days after a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 28 lives, signs of resilience are emerging as tourists slowly return to Kashmir, refusing to let fear overshadow their travel plans.

Pahalgam, the hill station that had turned desolate following the attack, is gradually regaining its lively charm. On Saturday, a group of new visitors arrived, breathing life into empty hotels and quiet streets. Locals, hopeful for the revival of the region’s tourism-dependent economy, welcomed them warmly, even documenting their arrival on social media as a symbol of Kashmir’s unyielding spirit.

Speaking to Kashmir Despatch, one traveler confessed, “We were apprehensive after hearing about the attack, and our families were reluctant. But the government’s assurances gave us the confidence to proceed with our trip.”

Another tourist shared, “We nearly canceled our Pahalgam visit, but the locals persuaded us it was safe. Their kindness and hospitality made us feel secure, and we’re happy we didn’t back out.”

Amid this cautious resurgence, Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has urged Indians to choose Kashmir for their next vacation, emphasizing that resisting fear is a collective stand against terrorism.

“Kashmir has always been an integral part of India, and it always will be,” Shetty asserted. “We cannot allow fear to dictate our choices. Instead, we should support the local economy and stand in solidarity with Kashmiris.”

Highlighting unity and resilience, he added, “Serving humanity is serving God. As a nation, we must remain strong and not let divisive forces prevail. Our response should be to visit Kashmir, embrace its beauty, and stand with its people.”

Shetty also pledged his personal commitment, stating, “I’ve informed the authorities that I’m ready to visit Kashmir—whether for leisure or work. The youth here are innocent, and they deserve our support.”

Meanwhile, Pahalgam’s markets, which had been empty since the attack, showed signs of revival as tourists returned, lifting the morale of local business owners.

In another positive development, Gulmarg—another key tourist hotspot—has also seen a steady return of visitors, sparking hope for Kashmir’s tourism recovery.

Speaking to Kashmir Despatch, a group of tourists from Gujarat said, “We feel safe and happy here. Thanks to the locals’ support, we never felt insecure.”

Vinay, a tourist from Gujarat, said, “I don’t want to leave—I’ve had a wonderful time. The hoteliers took great care of us, and the locals were welcoming. Tourists should visit without hesitation; there’s nothing to fear.”

Thankur, who arrived in Gulmarg on April 21, echoed the sentiment: “We feel completely safe. There are no issues, no fear. Those planning a trip should definitely come.”

Anand Raj, another visitor from Gujarat, noted that the visible presence of security personnel further reassured him during the stay.

Says ‘Terrorists Have No Relation to Islam; They’ve Killed Humanity’

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, April 26 ; Days after businesses in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir began recovering from the Pahalgam massacre, people affiliated with the tourism industry stated that their focus is not on business but on condemning the attack and standing in solidarity with their fellow countrymen who lost their lives in the terrorist attack.

Speaking exclusively with Kashmir Despatch, Gulmarg Hoteliers President Akib Chaya said, “Who is thinking about business in Kashmir right now? We are in mourning, condemning this act, and standing in solidarity with our fellow countrymen—especially our Kashmiri hero who fought the terrorists and showed the world that we Kashmiris are not violent people.”

Akib expressed his anger, saying, “It’s not us who did this—it’s those animals, who aren’t even true Muslims. I am not apologetic; I am furious, just like every other person in the country. We are grieving, and this is the time for the nation to reflect on these terrorists—these beasts—who have no relation to Islam. Our religion does not teach this. They didn’t just kill individuals; they killed humanity itself.”

He emphasized that these terrorists aimed to incite communal violence, and the country must unite against them. “They must not be allowed to go free. Their goal was to destroy Kashmir, which had been progressing toward development, peace, and prosperity in recent years.”

Akib added that the entire Kashmiri community—shopkeepers, business owners, and ordinary citizens—took to the streets to condemn the attack and raise their voices against terrorism. “We lost a hero who fought these terrorists while protecting our guests. Now, the country must think about Kashmir.”

He stressed the need for national unity, warning that prolonged disruptions would severely impact Kashmir’s economy, as 80% of the population depends on tourism. “Many newcomers in the tourism industry, who started businesses with loans, will face devastating setbacks if this continues. This massacre didn’t just claim 28 lives—it affects over a crore of people linked to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Akib asserted that Kashmiris share the same anger as the rest of the nation. “The perpetrators of this barbaric act are terrorists, and their only aim is to spread fear. Kashmiris should not be blamed—we are victims, just like those targeted by these animals.”

He paid tribute to Syed Adil, who sacrificed his life to prove Kashmiris’ love for their fellow countrymen. “Our people opened their homes, mosques, and hearts—from shikara operators to taxi and auto drivers, everyone stood strong for the tourists in this moment of grief. What more can Kashmir do to prove its love for the nation?”

Akib added, “Right now, business is the last thing on our minds—it’s at a complete standstill. We’ve had 100% cancellations for the upcoming week, but we stand united with our fellow countrymen in condemning this attack and honoring the victims of the Pahalgam tragedy.”

Meanwhile, local hoteliers of Kashmir Valley on Saturday came together to express their solidarity with the tourism sector in Kashmir, with condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, and said “Kashmir is the safest place and people should come here without any fear as it is the safest place.”

Leading hoteliers and tourism stakeholders also urged national media to avoid spreading misleading narratives about the recent Pahalgam attack.

At a press conference in Srinagar, they emphasized that no tourists have ever been harmed in Kashmir and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

They condemned the incident, clarified that locals are not responsible, and highlighted their efforts to support remaining tourists with free food and accommodation.

They called on visitors to continue exploring Kashmir and requested authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack.

Speaking at the event, Chaya stressed the challenges the tourism industry is facing due to the strike. “There have been so far 80 percent cancellations in bookings, but this is natural and justified following such an incident. However, we remain optimistic and continue to reassure tourists about the safety and warmth of our hospitality,” Chaya said.

Meanwhile, Speaking to Kashmir Despatch, a group of hoteliers in Srinagar stated that, given the current situation, they do not believe they can survive in the coming times. However, they are hopeful for the swift return of tourists to restore the previous business and rush.

They also appealed to the LG and CM to make efforts to bring back their guests so that the tourism industry, which has struggled for years, does not suffer again.

Anti-terror operations intensified: Houses of 6 terrorists blown, 175 suspects detained in Anantnag; Sgr Police raid residences of 63 terrorist aides

Umaisar Gull Ganie

Srinagar, Apr 26 : In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 persons, mostly tourists dead, anti-terror operations against terrorists and their sympathizers in Kashmir continued for a second consecutive day on Saturday.

According to the details available, security forces have destroyed the houses of six terrorists or their associates in the past 48 hours.

Houses of two active terrorists — Aadil Thoker in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district and Asif Sheikh in the Tral area of Pulwama district were blown up on Thursday.

Thoker, according to the officials, has been named as one of the three terrorists involved in the gruesome killing of tourists in Pahalgam, Sheikh’s involvement in the attack has also not been ruled out, officials said.

They said that Sheikh had legally traveled to Pakistan in 2018 via the Attari-Wagah land border, where he received training before infiltrating back into Jammu and Kashmir last year. He is believed to have played a key role in planning and executing the deadly Pahalgam attack.

Homes of three more Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist were destroyed in South Kashmir’s Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam districts, while house of another terrorist was razed in North Kashmir’s Kupwara District, bringing the total number of such demolitions to six.

The three houses demolished by authorities belonged to Ahsan Ahmad Sheikh from Pulwama, Shahid Ahmad Kuttay from Shopian, and Zakir Ahmad Ganie from Kulgam.

House of another LeT terrorist Farooq Ahmed, who is currently in Pakistan, was demolished by joint security forces at Kalaroos Kupwara.

175 SUSPECTS DETAINED IN ANANTNAG

Officials, as per KNO, said that joint teams of J&K Police Army, CRPF and other security forces have launched extensive search and cordon operations across South Kashmir’s Anantnag District. “As part of these operations, numerous raids were conducted at various locations throughout the district. Day and night search operations are underway with heightened vigilance. So far, around 175 suspects have been detained for questioning to dismantle the support networks aiding terrorist activities,” said an official.

He said that to further enhance security, additional Mobile Vehicle Check Points (MVCPs) have been established across the district to monitor suspicious movements and ensure public safety. “Moreover, Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs), ambushes, and intensified patrolling have been launched, particularly in high-density forest areas, to flush out any possible terrorist presence and secure the district,” he added.

The security forces are going after the known terrorist associates and their sympathisers across the length and breadth of the Valley, with an aim to create a deterrent against any Pahalgam-like attacks, the officials said. Terrorists on Tuesday opened fire in Baisaran, a popular tourist spot in the upper reaches of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, killing 26 people, mostly holidayers from other states.

SRINAGAR POLICE RAIDS HOUSES OF 63 TERRORIST ASSOCIATES

The security forces on Saturday carried out raids at the houses of 63 terrorist associates in Safakadal, Soura, Pandach Bemina, Shalteng, Lal Bazar and Zadibal areas of Srinagar city. “Extensive searches were conducted at multiple locations across the city at the residences of Over Ground Workers ( OGWs) and terrorist associates of proscribed terrorist outfits and in the furtherance of investigation into cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA),” a police statement said, as per KNO.

It said that Srinagar Police conducted searches at the residences of following persons: Furkan Farooq Mir son of Farooq Mir and Faizyab Showkat Deewani son of Showkat Deewani, both residents of Dalal Mohalla involved in Case FIR No. 35/2022 U/S 13, 18, 20, 23, 39 UAPA and 07/25 Arms Act of PS MR Gunj.

Zubair Gull son of Ghulam Mohd Bhat resident of Tengpora Zoonimar in connection with Case FIR No. 08/2023 U/S 307, 427 IPC, 7/27 IA Act, 13, 16 UAPA of PS Sangam.

Mohammad Yousuf Naqash son of Gh. Mohd resident of Malik Sahib, Safakadal, in connection with the investigation of Case FIR No. 128/2010 u/s 13 UAPA of PS Safakadal.

Syed Ahmad Parimoo son of Late Mohammad Abdullah Parimoo resident of Mumkhan Mohalla Badamwari, Rainawari (LET associate), and Dawood Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Nabi Wani resident of Kaw Mohalla Khanyar ( LET associate) in connection with the investigation of Case FIR No. 48/2024 u/s 109 BNS, 13, 16, 19, 20, 39 UAPA of PS Khanyar.

Riyaz Ahmad Wani son of Mohammad Wani resident of Degdhar Zoonimar ( LeT associate ) involved in case FIR NO. 17/2006 of PS Zadibal. Rafiq Ahmad Wani son of Ab A had wani resident of Babapora Zoonimar ( Let associate ) involved in case FIR No. 83/2006 and 90 /2006 of PS Soura. Shabir Ahmad Wani son of Late Ab Aziz Wani resident of Babapora Zoonimar ( LeT associate ) in case FIR No. 83/2006 and 90 /2006of PS Soura.

Wasim Raja Zargar son of Ali Mohammad Zargar resident of Degdhar Zoonimar ( LeT associate ) involved in case FIR No. 17/2006 and 19/2006 of PS Zadibal, 90/2006 of PS Soura, 55/2006of PS Safa Kadal, 51/ 2006 of PS Kothi Bagh.

Aijaz Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat resident of Haka Bazar ( LeT associate ) involved in Case FIR No. 207/2005 u/s 307 RPc of PS Lalbazar and FIR No. 114/2012 u/s of 20 UAPA and 2/27 IA Act of PS Kothi Bagh. Mudasir Nazir Khan son of Nazir Ahmad Khan resident of Haka Bazar Lalbazar ( LeT associate ) involved in case FIR No. 136/2011 u/s 7/25 I A Act of PS Sadder. Shoib Nazir Jan son of Nazir Ahmad Jan resident of Botashah Mohalla Lalbazar ( JKLF associate ). Ajaz Ahmad Khan son of Ab Rashid Khan resident of Haka Bazar Lal Bazar ( JeM associate ).

Liyaqat Husain Dar son of Mohammad Shafi Dar resident of Jamia Masjid old road Ahmad Nagar ( ISJK associate) involved in Case FIR No. 10/2018 U/S 7/27 I.A. Act , 307 RPC of PS Soura.

Bilal Ahmad Ganie son of Abdul Rehman Ganie resident of Pandach ( ISJK associate ) involved in Case FIR No. 48/2020 u/S 7/27 I. A Act , 18, 16, 23 UAP Act, 307, 302 IPC of PS Soura. Musaib Ahmad Dar son of Mohd Shafi Dar resident of Jamia Masjid old road Ahmad Nagar ( ISJK associate ) involved in Case FIR No. 10/2018 U/S 7/27 I.A. Act , 307 RPC of PS Soura. Owais Ahmad Bhat son of Farooq Ahmad Bhat resident of Tiploo Mohalal Anchar Soura ( TRF associate ) involved in case FIR No. 41/2021 PS Soura.

Aijaz Ahmad Rah son of Noor Ud Din Rah resident of Khalid Colony Soura ( ISJK associate ) involved in case FIR No. 48/2020 of PS Soura. Moyeeb Shafi Ganie son of Mohd Shafi Ganie resident of Subzi Mandi Soura ( ISJK associate ) involved in FIR No. 48/2020 of PS Soura.

Nazir Ahmad Gudoo son of Mohammad Maqbool Gudoo resident of Tiploo Mohalla Anchar Soura ( TRF associate ) involved in case FIR NO. 04 /2022 and 55/2022 of PS Soura.

Manzoor Ahmad Dar son of Ab Ahad resident of Wanihama Payeen involved in case FIR No.02/2012 u/s 13,16,18,19,20,38 ULAP, 307 IPC and 7/27 Arms Act of PS Zakoora . Mohammad Ismail son of Ab Ahad Dar resident of Wanihama Payeen. Sahil Nisar son of Nisar Ahmad Ganie resident of Aribagh BK Pora Nowgam involved in Case FIR No.117/2020 u/s 302,392,307 IPC,7/27 A Act,16,18,19 UAP Act and Case FIR No.127/2020 u/s 307 IPC,7/27 A Act,16,18 19 UAP Act of PS Nowgam.

Muzaffar Farooq Mir son of Farooq Ahmad Mir resident of Shazadpora Dangarpora involved in Case FIR No. 185/2021 U/S 307 IPC, 7/27 I.A Act, 16,18,20,39 UAPA of PS Nowgam. Nayeem Ahmad Khan son of Gh Ahmed Khan resident of Gamander Panthachowk involved in case FIR No. 85/2018 U/S 17,18,38,39,40 UAPA of PS Panthachowk.

Sajad Ahmad Marazi son of Khurshid Ahmad resident of Sec A1 Hamdaniya Colony involved in case FIR No. 39/22 u/s 7/25 IA Act ,13 UAPA of PS Bemina. Imtiyaz Ahmad Khanday, @Raju involved in case FIR No. 112/23 under UAP Act of PS Bemina. Unaib Naseer Mir son of Naseer Ahmed Mir resident of Shazadpora Dangerpora Nowgam involved in FIR No. 185/2021 U/S 307 IPC, 7/27 I.A Act, 16,18,20,39 ULA(P) Act. Asif Mushtaq Baba son of Mushtaq Ahmed Baba resident Gamander Panthachowk involved in FIR No. 61/2018 u/s 7/27 IA Act and 18 UAPA of PS Panthachowk.

Shaheena Bano, wife of Mohammad Younis Nath resident of Barthana Qamarwari, involved in FiR No.127/2022 U/S 7/25 A.Act, 13,16,18,38,39 ULA(P) Act of PS Parimpora. Waseem Tariq Matta son of Tariq Ahmad Matta resident of Barthana involved in Case FIR No. 46/2023 U/S 7/25 A.Act 4/5 E.S Act, 18,23,39 UAP(Act) of PS Parimpora. Shaib-Ul-IslamGanie son of Ab Majeed Ganie resident of Hassan Pora Taveela Bijbehara a/p Firdous Abad Lane No.03Batamaloo. Mohammad Shafeeq Bhat @ Shafeeq Molvi son of Gh Qadir Bhat resident of Diyarwani Batamaloo. Waseem Khan son of Gh Mohammad Khan resident of Diyarwani Batamaloo. Tufail Ahmad Bhat son of Niyaz Bhat resident of Diyarwani Batamaloo ( presently booked under PSA ). Dr. Idress Ganie son of Ab Majeed resident of LaneNo. 03 Firdous Abad.

Izhar-Ul Islam Ganie son of Abdul Majeed resident of Lane No. 03 Firdous Abad Batamaloo ( presently booked under PSA). Manan Darson of Gulzar Ahmad Dar resident of Firdous Abad Batamaloo.

Hanan Gulzar Dar son of Gulzar Ahmad Dar resident of Tilsara Chrar-I-Shareef A/P Firdous Abad Batamaloo ( presently in custody of NIA ). Nasrullah Mir son of Abdul Razaq Mir ( Released terrorist ).

Tariq Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Qadir Dar resident of Solina ( presently in NIA custody ).

Ashiq Hussain Baba son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Sarjoo Mahore Reasi A/P Allochi Bagh Srinagar. Owais Sadiq Thoko son of Mohd Sadiq Thoko resident of Zaindar Mohala.

Shabir Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Wani resident of Karfali Mohalla Habba Kadal Srinagar.

Idrees Ahmad Khan son of Mohammad Aslam Khan resident of Gole Market Karan Nagar Srinagar. Mohammad Ramzan Hazari son of Mohamad Jamal resident of DoodhGangga Karan Nagar (released terrorist. Moiz Khan son of Riyaz Ahmad Khan resident of Ikhrajpora. Nazray Moin son of Gh MohdSofi resident of Rather Mohalla Padshahi Bagh Srinagar. Danish Maqbool Sheikh son of Mohd Maqbool Sheikh resident of Naik Pora Padshahibagh. Mudasir Bashir Dar son of Bashir Ahmad Dar resident Padshahibagh Srinagar. Rashid Latif Bhat son of Mohd Latief Bhat resident of Jahangir Colony Baghat. RoufIllahi son of Ab MajeedIllahi resident of IqbalColony Natipora, Srinagar A/P MehjoorNagar.

Irfan Ahmad Haroon @Molvi son of Gh MohdHaroon resident of Natipora,Srinagar. Altaf Hussain Mir son of Ab.Rahim resident of Garden Lane Chanapora. Manzoor Ahmad Wani son of Assadullah Wani resident of Natipora. Umar Shaban Hajam son of Mohammad Shaban resident of Irfan Colony Natipora. Sajad Ahmad Dar son of Sonaullah Dar resident of Towheed Colony,Chanapora. Abaas Shafi Najar son of Mohd Shafi Najar resident of Natipora. Nisar Ahmad Khan son of Mohd Aslam Khan resident of Khan Colony,Chanapora. Zahid Rashid Ganie son of Ab Rashid resident of Methan,Chanapora. Aqib Farooq son of Farooq Ahmad Bhat resident of IramLane Badshanagar Chanapora. Yasir Hamid Ganie son of Ab Hamid Ganie resident of Methan Chanapora TawheedAbad. Rizwan Akbar Najar son of Mohd Akbar resident of Chana Mohallah, Natipora. Numain Qayoom Wan son of Ab Qayoom Wani resident of Methan, Tawheed Abad.

The searches, officials said, were carried out to seize weapons, documents, digital devices etc. with the objective of evidence collection and intelligence gathering to detect and deter any conspiratorial or terrorist activity against the security of the nation. “ This decisive action of J&K Police aims to dismantle the terrorist ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir by identifying and taking legal action against individuals engaged in such anti-national and criminal activities,” the officials said.

India-Pak Armies trade fire

Meanwhile, an Army spokesman as per KNO said, “On the night of 25th-26th of April 2025, unprovoked small firing was carried out by multiple Pakistan Army posts all across the Line of Control in Kashmir. Indian troops responded appropriately with small arms. No casualties reported.”

Kulgam Police in a joint operation with Army (1RR) and CRPF (18 BN) arrested two terrorist associates and recovered arms & ammunition from their possession, an official said.

He said, “During checking at a checkpoint established at Matalhama Chowk Thokerpora, Qaimoh, two terrorist associates identified as Bilal Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Salam Bhat and Mohammad Ismail Bhat son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat both residents of Thokerpora, Qaimoh* were arrested. After search, arms ammunition including 2 pistols, 25 pistol rounds, 2 pistol magazines were recovered from their possession.”

Regarding the incident, a case vide FIR NO. 29/2025 under relevant sections of law have been registered in Police Station Qaimoh and investigation has been initiated, he added.

A terrorist hideout was busted in Machil and a major cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, an official said.

He said that acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation was launched today by the Special Operations Group (SOG) Camp Machil and the Indian Army’s 12 SIKHLI unit in the forested area of Sedori Nala, Mushtaqabad Machil (Samsha Behak forest region), falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kupwara and Police Post Machil.

During the operation, a terrorist hideout was successfully located and busted. A significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site, including: 5 AK-47 Rifles, 8 AK-47 Magazines, one pistol, one pistol magazine, 660 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, one pistol round and 50 rounds of M4 ammunition were recovered. “ The recovery is a major success, especially in view of indications that terrorists were preparing to carry out activities aimed at disturbing peace and order in the region. The timely action by the security forces has dealt a major blow to such nefarious designs and has averted potential threats to civilian lives and public safety,” the official added.

BANDIPORA POLICE ASK PAKISTANIS TO LEAVE

“In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. As such Bandipora Police appeals to all Pakistani nationals presently residing in district Bandipora to leave India before the April 27 deadline set by the Govt of India. Any deviation of the directions will be dealt with under law and strict legal action shall be initiated.”—(KNO)