Security tightened at Kashmir’s tourist spots ahead of Pahalgam terror attack anniversary

Security has been tightened across Kashmir’s key tourist destinations ahead of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, with authorities on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents. The attack by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, which took place on April 22 last year at the scenic Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, left 26 tourists, including a local, dead and cast a long shadow over the Valley’s tourism sector.

As the anniversary approaches, security agencies have intensified surveillance, conducted ground-level reviews, and rolled out enhanced safety measures to reassure visitors. Officials say the focus remains on safeguarding the steadily reviving tourist flow.

IGP Kashmir recently reviewed the security preparedness in the valley.

As a precautionary measure, all security agencies have been asked to remain alert on the eve of the Pahalgam terror attack anniversary, especially around tourist spots.

On April 22, 2025, a dastardly terrorist attack ripped through the quaint Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 tourists and a local pony-ride operator.

The brutal attack carried out by LeT terrorists led to an exodus of tourists from Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the authorities to shut nearly 50 tourist spots before reopening some of those in a phased manner after a security audit.

Several new measures have been introduced in Pahalgam resort to ensure tourist safety. These include antecedent verification of service providers and vendors, including ponywallahs, before they interact with the visitors.

A unique QR code-based identification system has been introduced for all tourism service providers for the safety of tourists in Pahalgam. The system enables easy identification and verification of genuine and registered service providers, including pony-ride operators, hawkers, business establishments, as well as outside vendors.

“Each service provider has been properly vetted by police, registered by the authorities and has been provided a unique QR code that contains personal information and other details about that person,” the officials said.