Srinagar, Apr 23: In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated an aggressive security overhaul aimed at reinforcing safety and restoring confidence among tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who swiftly arrived in the Valley after the attack, chaired a high-level security review meeting at Raj Bhawan Srinagar. Sources confirmed that during the meeting, Shah instructed authorities to carry out a comprehensive security audit of all major tourist destinations in the Union Territory.
The identified destinations for immediate security upgrades include Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Dal Lake (Srinagar), Yousmarg, Verinag, Aharbal, Doodhpathri, Mughal Gardens (Srinagar), and other high-footfall areas popular with tourists.
A senior official, privy to the developments, told Rising Kashmir that under the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the government would be implementing a full-scale security audit of all tourist hubs.
“We are deploying high-resolution CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, facial recognition systems, panic buttons, and mobile Quick Response Teams across all key tourist circuits,” the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “The objective is to ensure a visible, intelligent security presence without creating panic or disrupting the visitor experience.”
The new security measures will include smart surveillance networks at entry points and areas with high tourist foot traffic. Key components of the initiative will include AI-driven facial recognition at transport terminals and public spaces, emergency panic buttons in taxis, hotels, and houseboats, as well as tourist tracking apps for real-time assistance. Additionally, a risk mapping of remote destinations will be conducted, and regular safety drills will be carried out to enhance preparedness.
The attack at Baisaran (known as “Mini Switzerland”), a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam, has not only sparked widespread condemnation but has also raised serious concerns over the lack of security at high-profile tourist destinations in the region. Many tourists who narrowly escaped the attack voiced their concerns over the absence of security personnel during the incident.
“There wasn’t a single security force member present when the attack occurred. Had there been even a small number of police or military personnel on-site, perhaps the situation could have been contained more quickly, and the casualties would have been lower,” said Vasu Dev, a tourist from Maharashtra. Dev, along with his wife and young child, was at Baisaran when the terrorists opened fire. “Security needs to be ramped up at all popular tourist spots. Additionally, mobile networks must be improved so that tourists can easily contact emergency services. At Baisaran, there was no mobile signal whatsoever, making it impossible for us to call for help.”
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, majority of tourists at clock tower and Nehru Park, echoed similar concerns and demanded proper mobile network connectivity at tourist spots like Baisaran and other destinations for prompt response in case of eventuality and terror attacks.
