Srinagar – In the wake of intelligence warnings indicating a heightened risk of terror attacks following last week’s deadly incident in Pahalgam, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of 48 out of 87 tourist attractions across the region.
Security agencies have reportedly intercepted communications confirming the activation of sleeper cells within the Kashmir Valley, with orders issued for them to mobilize.
Intelligence files accessed by India Today revealed a stark warning: “Reliable inputs indicate militant organizations are actively planning attacks targeting security forces and non-local individuals in the coming days.”
The intelligence further suggests that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is planning specific attacks aimed at Kashmiri Pandits, members of the Criminal Investigation Department, and non-locals, particularly in the Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.
Sources indicate that ongoing intelligence reports suggest terrorists operating in North, Central, and South Kashmir are preparing targeted assassinations and a larger-scale attack as retaliation for the demolition of terrorists’ residences after the Pahalgam incident. Railway security personnel have also been advised by security authorities to remain within designated camps and barracks due to the potential for attacks on railway infrastructure and personnel.
In response to these credible threats, authorities have significantly increased overall security measures. Specialist anti-fidayeen teams from the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group have been deployed to sensitive tourist locations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and the Dal Lake area.
The heightened security measures come after a tragic incident on April 22, where Pakistan-backed terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, predominantly tourists. This incident triggered a significant exodus of tourists from Kashmir, just as the tourism sector was beginning to recover.
Security forces have launched extensive counter-terrorism operations across the state to apprehend the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack, which reportedly involved a local terrorist collaborator. Coordinated raids have been conducted, leading to the detention of hundreds of suspects and terror sympathizers. Authorities have also demolished several residences belonging to active terrorists as part of the intensified operation.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the Pahalgam attack and has commenced on-site operations, including the reconstruction of the crime scene. Investigators are seeking to interview survivors, such as Gujarati tourist Rishi Bhatt, whose video footage captured the attackers, as well as local employees who were present during the incident, including those working at the zipline facility.
