Pahalgam Terror Attack: On April 22, a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, claimed 26 lives, but the toll could have been much higher if not for some fortunate turns of events that kept several tourists away from the danger zone.
41 individuals were spared from the chaos at Baisaran meadow due to fortunate circumstances, including a family that stopped for a meal and tourists delayed by a lack of horses.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Meal Break Saves Kochi Family From Walking into Danger
One such example is a family of 11 from Kochi, Kerala, who had a close call with death. The family, who had been exploring Kashmir since April 19, decided to eat just 15 minutes before reaching Baisaran. “We had skipped lunch the previous two days, so my husband insisted we stop to eat,” said Lavanya, a family member, as quoted by The Times of India report. After initially declining the salty dish, the eatery staff offered to cook something fresh, which delayed them by an hour.
As they continued their journey, just 2 km from Baisaran, they saw chaos unfolding. People were running, horses were galloping and vehicles were speeding away. When asked, the family was informed that something was wrong and security forces were on site. Although their driver suggested they continue, the family opted to turn back, sensing trouble. They later learned about the terror attack and were grateful for the delayed meal that kept them safe.
Jammu And Kashmir Terror Attack: Maharashtra Tourists Spared Due To Delay In Horse Rides
In another case, a group of 28 tourists from Maharashtra also escaped the attack by sheer luck. They were supposed to ride horses to reach Baisaran, but the horses were unavailable at the time. The group had spent time bargaining with the horse owners and by the time they were ready to set off, they were warned about the danger ahead. As they turned back, they learned about the shooting at the meadow. “We were saved just because we didn’t get the horse ride on time,” said one of the tourists to India Today TV.
Pahalgam Attack: Jaipur Newlyweds Survive After Choosing A Quiet Spot
A newlywed couple from Jaipur, Mihir and Komal Soni, also had a fortunate escape. They had just arrived at Baisaran and decided to take a quiet break while enjoying a plate of bhelpuri. They moved to a secluded spot, which meant they were not in the direct line of fire when the shooting began. “We heard gunshots and people started screaming,” Mihir recounted. Komal added that just moments earlier, they had seen Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and his wife buying bhelpuri from the same vendor. “They walked right past us, and later we heard that the officer was killed,” she said.
The newlyweds quickly hired a pony and made their escape, reaching safety just as chaos erupted. “We were only 10 steps from the exit when we left. There was no security to guide us,” Komal added.
These stories highlight how fate, quick thinking and a touch of chance played a vital role in saving lives during a deadly attack in Pahalgam.