New Delhi: Indian intelligence agencies had issued warnings about a potential terrorist attack targeting tourists in Jammu and Kashmir shortly before the April 22 massacre in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed. The alert, issued around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned April 19 visit, specifically mentioned possible threats in and around Srinagar, not Pahalgam.
Security was ramped up at tourist hotspots in Srinagar, including Dachigam National Park and key hotels. However, due to adverse weather, PM Modi’s visit was cancelled, though high alert was maintained. Despite this, terrorists launched a brutal attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, 90 km away, killing 26 male tourists in what officials say was a religion-based assault.
A senior police officer noted that while most alerts don’t materialize, this one tragically did—though the location was misinterpreted. Officials believe the attackers adjusted their plan after the PM’s visit was called off, lying low until an opportunity emerged.
J&K Police chief Nalin Prabhat had been overseeing security in Srinagar but had to rush back from Jammu after the Pahalgam attack. Intelligence reports had failed to identify Pahalgam as a potential target, though the area is known for year-round tourist activity.
The incident underscores the challenges of interpreting actionable intelligence, especially amid high-profile visits. Notably, U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s India visit was confirmed just days before the attack, further complicating the regional security landscape.
