Kashmir Security at Maximum Two Days Before Pahalgam Anniversary; Tourist Spots Under Heavy Unified Command Deployment

Indian security forces maintained maximum alert across Jammu & Kashmir on April 20, 2026 — two days before the first anniversary of the Pahalgam tourist massacre (April 22, 2025). Multiple Indian news outlets reported that security had been heightened at all major tourist sites across the Kashmir Valley, with the Indian Army, CRPF, BSF, and J&K Police operating under a unified command structure specifically tasked with tourist protection. The Pahalgam region — where LeT-linked Resistance Front militants killed 26 tourists and locals at Baisaran meadow on April 22, 2025 — saw the most significant deployment, with the meadow itself remaining sealed while broader Pahalgam valley remained open to visitors. Authorities continued rolling out the QR code-based identification and verification system for all registered tourism service providers in Pahalgam, enabling visitors to verify the credentials and police clearance of service providers before engaging them. Officials described the measures as focused on preventing any anniversary-related militant attempt to target tourists or security forces. The Indian Embassy in Washington DC was simultaneously preparing to inaugurate the 'Human Cost of Terrorism' exhibition at Capitol Hill on April 22, documenting Pakistan-linked attacks globally as part of India's diplomatic anniversary initiative.