A group of 23 tourists from Kerala had a miraculous escape from a deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, simply because they chose to skip a horse ride that day.
The group, which included families and a young child, had planned to explore the scenic beauty of Pahalgam on horseback. However, the quoted rates for the ride were too steep, prompting them to take a taxi instead to a nearby sightseeing location. Little did they know, this decision would ultimately save their lives.
While en route to Baisaran, the group heard loud noises and witnessed chaos—shops shutting down and people running in panic. Initially unaware of the gravity of the situation, they asked their guide to proceed with the tour. His chilling response—”Do you want to go sightseeing or stay alive?”—made them realize the seriousness of the unfolding events.
They were promptly escorted back to safety. Only later, upon reaching their hotel and watching the news, did they grasp the horror they narrowly avoided. A brutal terrorist attack had occurred at the very location they had skipped, claiming the lives of 26 people—most of them tourists like themselves.
The survivors also raised concerns about inadequate security at popular tourist spots, pointing out that while there was visible security along the roads, the tourist sites themselves were left vulnerable.
This close call is a chilling reminder of how a small decision can mean the difference between life and death.