Security heightened across Kashmir ahead of Pahalgam attack anniversary

Srinagar, Apr 19: Security has been significantly tightened across major tourist destinations in Kashmir ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which left 25 tourists and a civilian dead.

Officials said all security agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent any subversive activity, particularly around popular tourist sites. Ground-level meetings have been held to finalise comprehensive security arrangements, followed by reviews by senior officers.

On April 22 last year, terrorists struck the scenic Baisaran meadow—often referred to as “Mini Switzerland”—located about 7 km from Pahalgam town in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

The attackers, identified as three Pakistani terrorists, opened indiscriminate fire on tourists in the meadow, which is accessible mainly by foot or pony and surrounded by dense pine forests.

The assault claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local pony operator, while around 20 others were injured.

In the aftermath, authorities temporarily shut nearly 50 tourist destinations for a detailed security audit, reopening them in phases after strengthening safeguards.

One year on, Pahalgam’s famed meadows are once again witnessing a steady influx of visitors, reflecting renewed confidence in the security environment.

To further enhance tourist safety, several new measures have been introduced in Pahalgam. These include antecedent verification of all service providers—pony operators, vendors, and hawkers—and the introduction of a QR code-based identification system for tourism personnel.

Each verified service provider is issued a QR code containing key details such as name, address, mobile number, Aadhaar information, registration status, operational route, and police verification. Tourists can scan the code to access verified information, ensuring interaction only with authenticated individuals.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V K Birdi, recently chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir, directing officers to further strengthen security around vulnerable installations and prominent tourist locations.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, BSF, Traffic Police, Railways, and SDRF.

With the spring tourist season underway, destinations such as the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam are witnessing healthy footfall. Fresh security audits have been carried out, and additional personnel deployed to instil confidence among visitors.