Shocking lapse? Why no soldiers were protecting Pahalgam’s tourists

What Happened at Baisaran Near Pahalgam?

On 22 April 2025, a terror attack at the popular tourist destination of Baisaran, located near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir‘s Anantnag district, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The Resistance Front, an affiliate of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the assault. The attack has triggered a major political and security debate across India, with opposition parties questioning the Centre over the absence of security forces at the location when the incident occurred.

The first confirmation came from Jammu and Kashmir Police officials, who stated that Baisaran was open to tourists from early April but lacked a permanent security presence at the time of the attack.

Why Was Security Absent at Baisaran, a Key Tourist Site?

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi from the Indian National Congress and Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, raised concerns during an all-party meeting convened on 24 April 2025. They questioned why no military or paramilitary forces were stationed at Baisaran despite it being operational for tourism weeks before the peak summer season.

According to Home Ministry officials, security deployments for regions like Baisaran are typically strengthened closer to the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence in June. Intelligence agencies had not issued an immediate threat warning specific to Baisaran prior to the attack, leading to a staggered security plan that had not yet fully mobilised.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla informed political leaders that local district authorities had opened Baisaran to tourists without formal clearance from intelligence or central security agencies, which is usually mandatory for high-risk zones in Kashmir.

How Are Tourist Locations Like Baisaran Normally Secured?

Tourist spots across Jammu and Kashmir traditionally operate under structured security grids designed by joint command centres comprising Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and various intelligence agencies. Before the tourist season, multi-agency threat assessments are carried out to determine appropriate troop deployments.

The Amarnath Yatra, which brings thousands of pilgrims annually through routes like Pahalgam and Sonamarg, is protected by an extensive multi-layered security apparatus, including road opening parties, aerial surveillance, and area domination patrols. However, such measures are fully activated only from late May onwards, once the snow has cleared and routes are formally declared open.

Security agencies clarified during the meeting that, although background threats exist year-round, the intensity of troop deployments fluctuates based on operational assessments, weather conditions, and seasonal tourist activity.

What Did the Centre Say About Local Administrative Actions?

Senior Home Ministry sources, speaking on background, said that the decision to open Baisaran for tourists ahead of the security build-up was taken at the district level. No comprehensive threat reassessment was sought from the intelligence agencies before resumption of activities at Baisaran.

The Ministry of Home Affairs indicated that a detailed inquiry has been initiated to fix responsibility for procedural violations. Officials stressed that coordination between local authorities and national security agencies will be further tightened, and revised protocols are being drafted to ensure no tourist destination is reopened without formal threat clearance.

Sources within the Union Territory administration acknowledged that the economic drive to revive tourism post-pandemic contributed to the eagerness to reopen key sites like Baisaran earlier than usual.

How Has the Attack Impacted Broader India-Pakistan Relations?

Following confirmation that The Resistance Front was behind the Baisaran attack, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan’s High Commissioner to lodge a strong protest. India also announced the suspension of certain provisions under the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah land route to Pakistani goods.

This marked the first major downgrading of diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Islamabad since early 2023, escalating tensions once again over cross-border terrorism issues. India’s decision to cut trade and water-sharing agreements signals a hardening stance that could affect bilateral ties significantly in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, countries including the United States, France, Australia, and Japan issued statements condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism.

What Lessons Are Being Drawn for Kashmir’s Security Management?

The Pahalgam incident has revived calls for permanent security deployments at all major tourist locations in Kashmir, irrespective of seasonal variations or intelligence inputs. Defence experts argue that “predictive deployment,” based on historical threat patterns rather than solely on real-time alerts, must become standard practice in the region.

Former Northern Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda (Retd) remarked to news agencies that while intelligence-led security was vital, the nature of threats in Kashmir required “continuous proactive security presence” rather than reactive measures. He said this model has worked in protecting other sensitive zones like Gulmarg and Vaishno Devi routes.

Internal discussions within security circles are reportedly underway on implementing “round-the-year” static posts at Pahalgam, Baisaran, and other high-traffic tourist hubs, supported by mobile response teams.

What Is the Current Status of Security at Pahalgam and Baisaran?

As of 25 April 2025, security forces have taken control of Baisaran and surrounding areas. An extensive cordon and search operation was launched immediately after the attack, with Indian Army, CRPF, and local police conducting continuous patrols.

Anantnag District Police Chief, through a statement, confirmed that additional companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed, and mobile bunkers have been set up on approach routes to Pahalgam and Baisaran. Officials have advised tourists to exercise caution, although no official closure of the area has been announced as yet.

Security agencies are also conducting demining operations and route sanitisation to prevent secondary attacks.

What Political Fallout Could Arise from the Pahalgam Incident?

The Pahalgam terror attack has already shifted the political discourse ahead of key elections in Jammu and Kashmir and other states. Opposition leaders are demanding a judicial inquiry into the security lapse, while the Centre has promised a comprehensive internal review.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has emphasised that despite the tragedy, India’s counter-terrorism operations will continue unabated and that perpetrators, including cross-border handlers, would be “held accountable.”

Civil society groups and tourism stakeholders have urged political leaders not to politicise the tragedy but instead work collaboratively to ensure tourist confidence in Kashmir remains intact.

How Will Kashmir’s Tourism Sector Be Affected?

Kashmir’s tourism sector, which recorded a record influx of 2.1 million tourists in 2024, could experience short-term setbacks following the attack. According to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, booking cancellations for the summer season have already begun, especially from international visitors.

Tourism experts suggest that while domestic tourism may recover quickly due to resilient demand patterns, international perceptions of safety could take longer to rebuild unless security measures are visibly strengthened.

Local businesses, including hoteliers, transporters, and small traders dependent on tourist inflow, have urged the government to provide financial support packages if bookings continue to decline significantly over the next two months.