Pahalgam observes silent tribute

Srinagar, Apr 22: A year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 tourist lives, Pahalgam wore a subdued and solemn look on Tuesday as residents and tourists gathered to pay tribute at the now-established memorial near the selfie point.

Once a lively tourist hub echoing with chatter and activity, the area fell silent as people assembled to remember those killed in the 2025 attack.

The modest memorial, decorated with flowers and photographs of the victims, has since become a focal point of collective mourning and reflection.

Early in the day, locals, visitors, and a group of activists associated with Shiv Sena gathered at the site, offering floral tributes and observing moments of silence.

Candles were lit, prayers were offered, and many stood in quiet reflection facing the valley that had witnessed panic and violence a year earlier.

Residents said the anniversary reopened painful memories.

“We remember the fear, the chaos. Today is about the victims and their families,” said a local shopkeeper who briefly closed his store to join the gathering.

Tourists, also paused at the memorial.

They expressed solidarity with the victims and the region, saying they did not want fear to define Kashmir’s identity or discourage remembrance.

“It feels like yesterday. The silence they left behind still echoes in our homes and hearts,” said, a tourist operator present at the site. “We came here not because it gets easier, but because we cannot forget them.”

A shopkeeper said the valley is often known for its beauty, but the day was about remembering resilience amid tragedy.

“Grief brought us together, but so did hope,” he said. “We owe it to those we lost to live with kindness and courage.”

Security across Pahalgam was significantly heightened on the anniversary.

Armed personnel were deployed at key locations, checkpoints were set up along major routes, and drone surveillance was carried out to monitor the area.

Officials also conducted early morning area domination exercises as a precautionary measure.

While the visible security presence was reassuring to many, it also underscored the gravity of the past tragedy.

Barricades, patrol vehicles, and aerial monitoring contrasted sharply with the otherwise calm and picturesque surroundings of the valley.

Despite the heavy security arrangements, the memorial gathering remained peaceful and orderly, with participants from different backgrounds coming together to pay respects.

“We gather here not only to remember those we lost, but to reaffirm our commitment to peace and unity,” said a senior officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). “Their absence is a wound we carry together.”

A senior Police officer said the region had endured deep pain but retained its resilience. “This valley has seen tragedy, but it has never lost its spirit,” he said. “Let this memorial stand as a reminder that violence will not define who we are, and that justice and healing must move forward together.”

The day concluded without incident, as residents and visitors quietly dispersed, leaving behind flowers, candles, and a shared resolve to remember the lives lost.

Meanwhile, security was tightened across Kashmir on Tuesday as authorities marked the first anniversary of the Baisaran, Pahalgam attack.

Police and paramilitary forces were deployed at key locations, including tourist sites, amid expectations of commemorative events and rallies for the victims.

The April 22, 2025, attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, triggered a sharp drop in visitor numbers and led authorities to temporarily close nearly 50 tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, reopening some later in phases following security reviews.

A year later, tourist activity has resumed in Pahalgam, often dubbed ‘Mini Switzerland,’ in Anantnag district, with visitors returning despite last year’s violence.

Officials said new measures have been introduced to improve safety, including background checks for service providers such as pony operators and vendors before they engage with tourists.

Authorities have also rolled out a QR code-based identification system for registered tourism service providers, enabling visitors and officials to verify their credentials.

The codes contain personal and registration details, including identity, contact information and verification status.

During a recent security review meeting, the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, directed officials to strengthen arrangements around vulnerable sites, including major tourist destinations, to ensure visitor safety.

The meeting, held at the Police Control Room in Kashmir, was attended by senior officials from the police, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Traffic Police, Railways, and disaster response agencies, to reviewed preparations for upcoming events in the region.