Amid reports that some terrorist groups tried to attack important installations, all security agencies have been instructed to remain vigilant and monitor any suspicious activity, especially in tourist areas. Special teams have already been deployed at key tourist destinations to keep a close watch on suspicious individuals.
Several meetings have been held at the ground level to strengthen security arrangements, while senior officials have recently reviewed preparedness. On April 22, 2025, a horrific terrorist attack at the Baisaran grounds in south Kashmir’s picturesque Pahalgam resort killed 25 tourists and a local horse rider.
Tourists from different parts of the country lost their lives when terrorists of the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) shot them dead at point-blank range.
The attack led to an exodus of tourists from Jammu and Kashmir, forcing the administration to close nearly 50 tourist destinations. These sites were later reopened in a phased manner following security audits.
On February 17 this year, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed the immediate reopening of 14 prominent tourist locations across the Union Territory. These sites, which had been shut after the Pahalgam attack, include the alpine meadow of Yousmarg. The decision came after security assessments indicated improved conditions for visitors.
Authorities had closed nearly 50 tourist spots following the April 22, 2025, attack at Baisaran Meadow in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, most of them tourists. The closures were ordered as a precautionary measure while a comprehensive security review was conducted.
Security Tightened at Tourist Destinations in Kashmir
A year later, the meadows of Pahalgam are once again bustling with tourists. Known as “Mini Switzerland,” the area is gradually returning to normal.
The administration has taken several steps to ensure the safety of visitors. New measures include the verification of service providers and vendors, such as horse riders, to ensure they are properly vetted before interacting with tourists.
A unique QR code-based identification system has also been introduced for tourism service providers. This system allows tourists to easily identify and verify registered service providers, including horse riders, hawkers, business establishments, and outside vendors.
Officials said that each service provider has been police-verified, registered, and issued a unique QR code containing their personal and professional details. Tourists can scan the code using their mobile phones to access complete information about the individual.
The QR code includes details such as the service provider’s name, father’s name, complete address, mobile number, Aadhaar number, registration number, work area, and police verification status.
Recently, Kashmir Inspector General of Police V.K. Birdi chaired a high-level meeting to further strengthen security at sensitive locations and tourist destinations. Senior officials from the police, CRPF, BSF, traffic police, railway security, and SDRF attended the meeting.
The administration has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of tourists and maintain a secure environment across the valley.
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