Security measures have been intensified in the Kashmir Valley before the anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack. Last year, 26 innocent civilians, including tourists and a local pony owner, were killed by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam on April 22. Security forces have been instructed to be extra vigilant around this date, especially at tourist spots, to prevent any untoward incidents.
A meeting was convened by IGP V.K. Birdi in Srinagar to assess the security situation prior to the Pahalgam terror attack anniversary. Preparations for a robust security plan have been underway at the grassroots level, with senior officers reviewing these arrangements. The attack had serious repercussions, almost leading to armed conflict between India and Pakistan, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to authorize retaliatory strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
In response to the escalating tensions, India conducted targeted strikes on terror facilities deep inside Pakistan during ‘Operation Sindoor’. The situation further deteriorated as Pakistan retaliated by attacking civilian and army installations in Jammu and Kashmir. Poonch town in Jammu division bore the brunt of Pakistan’s aggression, resulting in the loss of civilian lives and destruction of defense installations in Pakistan by India.
As a precautionary measure, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir closed 50 tourist spots post the Pahalgam attack, gradually reopening them later. The incident severely impacted the tourism industry, affecting the livelihoods of many locals dependent on tourism. Efforts were made to restore tourist confidence, including the introduction of safety measures like antecedent verification and a QR code-based identification system for service providers in Pahalgam.
Tourism in Pahalgam has shown signs of recovery, with increased tourist footfall and restored faith in the safety measures implemented. The tragic events of April 22 are now part of history, with the hope that such incidents will not recur due to the vigilance of the security forces and the local community in Jammu and Kashmir.
