Security tightened in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Pahalgam attack anniversary

In the run-up to the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, including 25 tourists, were killed by terrorists after ascertaining their religious identities on April 22, the security grid has been tightened in the region to enhance general vigil along the International border and the line of control (LoC).

On the other hand, efforts have been made by the terrorist handlers sitting across Pakistan to push small groups of heavily armed terrorists inside the Indian territory to carry out surprise terrorist attacks in the region.

On Monday, a joint team of security forces launched a search operation in several border areas of Rajbagh and Ramkote in Kathua district following information about suspicious movement of suspected terrorists.

In Rajouri, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Ace of Spades Division, Major General Kaushik Mukherji, on Monday, said that the Army troops are on high alert in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Poonch districts and are fully prepared to deliver a befitting response to any hostile act by the enemy.

Meanwhile, the police and army are also continuing searches for the second day in the SIDCO forest area of the nearby Samba district, which was launched early Sunday after two suspected persons were noticed moving under the cover of darkness.

With the advent of the ‘Spring season’ in the valley, a fresh security audit was conducted, and adequate security personnel were deployed in and around the tourist hotspots, including local getaways, to instil a sense of security among the visiting tourists.

The famous Tulip garden in Srinagar, ski resort of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Tangmarg, Gurez valley, and Bandipora have been witnessing a surge in tourist footfalls with the beginning of the peak tourist season. Jammu region is also witnessing a heavy rush of pilgrims headed towards Katra in Reasi district to offer prayers in the Cave Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, followed by a short trip to Patnitop, Bhaderwah and other tourist spots.

The tourist places which were closed down in the aftermath of the horrific terror attack were thrown open after beefing up the security measures in the region.

In recent weeks, the Union Home Ministry has also reviewed the prevailing security scenario in the Union Territory and adequate measures were taken to dismantle the terror eco-system.

Addressing a well-attended gathering at the ‘Rajouri Day’ event in the border district, Major General Kaushik Mukherji said that I assure you that our army is fully alert at the borders and is ready to give a befitting response to every hostile act of the enemy.

Major General Mukherji said when the Army protects the borders, the local population stands shoulder to shoulder with the forces, strengthening internal security. “This trust, partnership, and sense of patriotism constitute the greatest strengths of our region,” he said.

The Army Officer also lauded the role of the local populace and said they will continue to work together in coordination to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy.