New Delhi: Ahead of first anniversary of last year’s heinous terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, security has been tightened in and around the Baisaran Valley. Pakistan-based terrorists killed at least 25 tourists and a local pony operator on April 22, 2025 in the Baisaran Valley. A Nepali citizen was among the dead.
Apart from Pahalgam, security agencies have also increased vigilance at other tourist locations across the Kashmir valley to thwart any untoward incident.
The agencies are using drones and digital monitoring systems for the surveillance. This is being done to enable real-time tracking of the area and launch a swift response in case of any suspicious activity.
QR code-based identification system in place
As part of enhanced security measures, a QR code-based identification system has been introduced for pony operators, vendors and local service providers. Tourists can verify their identity and service details through mobile phones. The measure is aimed at improving transparency and safety.
Vendors coming from outside Jammu and Kashmir to earn their livelihood have also been thoroughly checked and vetted by the police to prevent any security lapses.
Rescue and emergency response teams have also been kept on alert to ensure quick action in case of any contingency. Authorities said the objective is to maintain a secure environment for visitors while preventing any untoward incident.
What happened on April 22
On April 22, 2-7 heavily armed terrorists entered a meadow near Pahalgam to carry out the attack. They separated men from women, asked their religion and then shot them.
The men were killed in front of their wives and kids in execution-style massacre. Several people also suffered injuries in the attack. An off-shoot of Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba took responsibility of the attack.
India’s response
In the second week of May, India launched attacks on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Several terrorists were killed in the attack.
This led to a brief three-day war between India and Pakistan. It ended after Pakistan DGMO asked for a ceasefire.
To neautralise the terrorists involved in the attack, the Indian Army along with other security agencies in Kashmir launched Operation Mahadev. After weeks of search, they were able to neautralise them.
Meanwhile, The Indian embassy in the United States will host a digital exhibition at Washington’s Capitol Hill on Tuesday to highlight Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, according to a PTI report. Titled ‘The Human Cost of Terrorism,’ the exhibition will be inaugurated by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra.