48 Tourist Spots Closed In Kashmir Over 'Terror Attacks' Intelligence
Jammu and Kashmir: Amid reports regarding the return of tourists to Jammu and Kashmir, the union territory’s government on Tuesday closed at least 48 out of 87 tourist locations across Kashmir. The measures were taken following intelligence agencies’ warning of the possibility of more terror attacks in the region, as per reports by multiple media houses.
Last week, one of Kashmir’s popular tourist destinations, Pahalgam, witnessed the worst terrorist attack targeting civilians. The attackers gunned down at least 28 people, mostly tourists from different parts of the country.
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Following the gruesome attack, communication intercepts said that some sleeper cells were activated in the valley. A report by India Today cited intelligence, noting that reliable inputs from credible sources and sister intelligence agencies suggest that militant organisations are actively planning attacks targeting security forces and non-local individuals in the upcoming days.
The report also suggested that Pakistan’s spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is planning targeted attacks on non-local individuals, CID personnel, and Kashmiri Pandits, especially in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.
In retaliation for the destruction of terrorist houses in the valley, the groups are reportedly planning targeted killings, along with a larger, more impactful attack, the report added.
Intelligence agencies have also warned that the possibility of an attack targeting the railways cannot be ruled out, especially given the vulnerability of railway infrastructure and the significant presence of non-local railway staff in the Valley.
Read Also: How Pahalgam Terror Attack Is Significant Considering Evolving Regional Dynamics?
In light of the situation, security forces have deployed anti-fidayeen squads, primarily from the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, to sensitive tourist locations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and the Dal Lake areas. These locations remain open to visitors, and tourists are also flocking.
Security agencies are on a massive anti-terror operation across the state, executing coordinated raids and detaining hundreds of suspects. The manhunt for the perpetrators of the Pahalgam carnage continues in the valley. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has undertaken the Pahalgam terror attack.
