Intel warned of tourist attack in Srinagar prior to Pahalgam massacre

Authorities had anticipated potential attacks coinciding with Prime Minister Modi’s postponed visit to inaugurate the Katra-Srinagar train service, fearing that violent acts aimed at overshadowing the event might gain international attention amid growing tensions with Pakistan

In the days leading up to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, intelligence agencies had already raised alarms about the potential targeting of tourists in the region, particularly those staying in hotels on the outskirts of Srinagar. These warnings led to an increased security presence in sensitive areas such as Dachigam, Nishat, and surrounding regions, with senior police officers overseeing extensive combing operations.

The heightened focus on these areas followed a terrorist attack in October last year at a construction site in Gangangir, Sonamarg, which is situated across the Zabarwan Range, overlooking Srinagar. In this attack, seven individuals, including a doctor, lost their lives. In response to the threat, security forces initiated a two-week operation aimed at conducting extensive searches on the outskirts of Srinagar. However, despite significant efforts, no breakthroughs were made, and the operation was called off on April 22 — the very day terrorists struck in Pahalgam, killing 26 people.

Authorities had also been aware of the likelihood of attacks coinciding with the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was expected to inaugurate the first-ever train service from Katra to Srinagar. Officials speculated that Pakistan may have viewed the event, aimed at strengthening the connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, as a point of contention. Though the Prime Minister’s visit had been postponed due to weather forecasts predicting strong winds in the Katra area, concerns remained that any positive visuals of the event could be overshadowed by a violent act designed to gain international attention.

Terror tactics and security response

In the aftermath of the attack, it became clear that local terrorists had mingled with tourists in the Pahalgam area. As soon as the gunfire erupted, the attackers forced the tourists into a food court complex. Two additional terrorists, suspected to be from Pakistan, joined in and opened fire, killing 26 people. It is believed that the terrorists' goal was to instil fear among local citizens and possibly provoke retaliatory attacks against Kashmiris in other parts of India.

Quick action from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was instrumental in minimizing further damage. The Chief Minister swiftly contacted the Centre, urging them to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Kashmiris across the country, particularly in light of the potential for backlash against locals. Directions were issued to various state governments to safeguard Kashmiris residing in their regions, and the security apparatus worked to prevent further violence.

Alongside these developments, authorities have noted an alarming shift in the type of weaponry being used by militants in the region. Advanced weaponry such as M-series rifles, sniper rifles, and armor-piercing bullets have been increasingly found during encounters with terrorists. These high-tech weapons are believed to be leftovers from NATO forces in Afghanistan, raising concerns about the evolving nature of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Valley erupts after Pahalgam attack

In addition, security officials cautioned against interpreting tourist traffic as an indicator of normalcy in the region. Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had previously cited the influx of tourists as a barometer for peace, but the tragic 2006 attack on a tourist bus carrying travellers from Gujarat, which killed four people, highlighted the fallacy of such an assumption.

Regarding the accessibility of Baisaran, an area that had been recently discussed but not granted clearance for tourists, authorities clarified that the region remains open year-round, except during the Amarnath Yatra and periods of heavy snowfall. The Jammu and Kashmir administration had previously awarded a development contract for the Baisaran meadow to a local contractor, with plans for improvements such as fencing and a zipline facility.

Finally, the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack saw spontaneous protests erupting across the Kashmir Valley, resembling the public movements that followed the Nirbhaya case in New Delhi. The protests underscored the anger and frustration of the local population, signalling the need for more effective peacebuilding measures and stronger security responses to curb the rising tide of violence in the region.