SRINAGAR: 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), The Pioneer reported.
On the other hand, efforts have been made by terrorist handlers sitting across Pakistan to push small groups of heavily armed terrorists into Indian territory to carry out surprise 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, said that Army troops are on high alert in Rajouri and Poonch districts and are fully prepared to deliver a befitting response to any hostile act by the enemy.
Meanwhile, police and Army teams are continuing searches for the second consecutive day in the SIDCO forest area of Samba district 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 has been conducted and adequate deployment ensured around tourist hotspots to instil a sense of security among visitors.
Key destinations including Srinagar’s Tulip Garden, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Tangmarg, Gurez Valley and Bandipora are witnessing a surge in tourist footfall with the onset of peak season. The Jammu region is also seeing a heavy rush of pilgrims heading to Katra for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, along with visits to Patnitop, Bhaderwah and other spots.
Tourist locations that were shut following the attack have now been reopened after enhanced security arrangements.
In recent weeks, the Union Home Ministry has reviewed the prevailing security scenario in the Union Territory, with measures initiated to dismantle the terror ecosystem.
Addressing a gathering at the ‘Rajouri Day’ event, Major General Mukherji reiterated that the Army remains fully alert and prepared to respond decisively to any hostile action. He also lauded the local population for standing shoulder to shoulder with the forces, calling their trust and cooperation a key strength in maintaining internal security.
