Newly-weds reconsider Kashmir honeymoon after terror attack

Patna: Newly-wed couple Shibu and Shadab Gilani were exited to get their tickets to Kashmir, where they planned a honeymoon, on Monday, and had even started packing their bags ahead of their departure on April 30.
Like many newly-weds, they had dreamt of beginning their new innings at the paradise on earth, until the scenic Pahalgam turned into a site of terrorist bloodbath on Tuesday.
The terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including honeymooners, has made the newly-wed couples like Shibu and Shadab rethink their honeymoon destinations. Several such couples have cancelled their Kashmir trip and exploring other options or postponed their honeymoon itself.
"We were supposed to leave on April 30. However, after the attack in Pahalgam, our family members advised us to cancel the trip. Even we don't want to go there," said Shibu, who had got married to Shadab on April 10.
She further said they had to suffer some financial losses as well after cancellation of their tickets. "We are even waiting for a refund from the operator, who is trying to convince us to stick to our plan," Shibu said, adding they were now looking for an alternate destination.
Similarly Rohan Kumar from Patna said he was so excited to take his newly-wed wife to Kashmir for honeymoon. "But after the attack, I'm not sure if it's safe for us to go there. We're considering alternative destinations like Shimla or Manali," he said.
Another newly-wed couple, Priya and Raj, who got married last month, sounded upset: "We were looking forward to enjoying the scenic beauty of Kashmir. But now, we're not sure if it's worth the risk. We're thinking of postponing our trip and look for alternative destinations," said Priya.
Some couples are opting for alternative destinations that mirror the scenic beauty and romance of Kashmir. "We're planning to visit Mussoorie instead of Kashmir. It's a beautiful hill station, and we're sure to have a great time there," said Ankita, who is getting married next month.
Akash Kumar from Gaya, who is also getting married next month, said he was planning to take his would-be wife to Kashmir for honeymoon. "I'll have to reconsider our plans," he said.
Meanwhile, with the peak marriage season underway, tour operators are busy sorting out scenic hill stations other than Kashmir for the honeymooners.
Rakesh Kumar, a tour operator who organises holiday packages, said that several tourists have cancelled their entire bookings. "We offered them a revised itinerary of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but many are not even in a mood to celebrate, saying that they will plan their honeymoon in near future when some normalcy comes back."