Following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including two foreign nationals, preliminary investigations have uncovered significant security lapses across multiple levels. The attack, which also left 17 injured, appears to have exploited vulnerabilities in intelligence gathering and security deployment.
At an all-party meeting in Delhi, the Union Home Minister finally admitted to security lapses in response to queries by the opposition. Reports say that the Unified Command—chaired by the Lieutenant Governor with representation from various security agencies—had been reporting improved security conditions in the Kashmir Valley without conducting thorough ground-level threat assessments.
“Despite a surge in civilian footfall at the Baisaran meadow, the Unified Command and local police failed to act on actionable intelligence,” a senior security official said. The investigation has identified several critical security gaps. Reports say that earlier this year, one of two CRPF companies responsible for area security was redeployed elsewhere, significantly reducing protection at the popular tourist spot.
Additionally, “The nearest Quick Action Team — CRPF’s 116 battalion — took over an hour to reach the site, giving attackers ample time to carry out the strikes and escape,” say reports.
The publication notes that survivor accounts indicate at least two attackers were speaking Pashto, suggesting possible connections to terror groups operating near the Afghan border. Investigators believe local accomplices may have provided reconnaissance support.
Authorities have launched a multi-agency inquiry to trace the attack’s planning and execution. Security personnel are currently conducting extensive combing operations throughout the Baisaran valley, with particular interest in “a new Chinese-origin communication device recovered at the scene — believed to have been used to evade digital surveillance.” Security officials emphasize the need to shift from temporary security deployments to a permanent, intelligence-driven model to prevent future attacks of this nature.
