Following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, which left 25 tourists and one local resident dead, Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched an intensified crackdown across the Valley.
According to V K Birdi, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Kashmir, 90 individuals have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), and around 2,800 have been detained for questioning or preventive detention.
“So far, 90 people have been booked under PSA from different parts of Kashmir,” Birdi told local media. “As many as 2,800 OGWs have also been detained. The crackdown will be intensified further.”
The attack, which occurred in Pahalgam in Anantnag district, has sparked widespread outrage. The authorities believe the attack is an effort to undermine Kashmir’s recent tourism resurgence, which has seen record numbers of visitors in recent months.
In response to the assault, which has raised concerns about increasing civilian attacks, authorities have carried out multiple raids on the homes of known militants and their associates across the region. According to a senior police officer, joint operations involving J&K Police, CRPF, and the Army are ongoing.
“We will spare no one involved. Our operations are broad-based,” the officer said. “We have strengthened surveillance, with drones, night-vision cameras, and human intelligence to monitor suspects.”
The crackdown includes frequent cordon-and-search operations (CASOs) and heightened security at key intersections. Area domination patrols have been increased, and mobile phone surveillance is being used to track the movement of suspects.
Authorities have urged the general public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. The forces have said that no innocent individuals are being harassed.
“Every element that poses a threat to peace and public safety will be dealt with sternly. There will be no compromise,” said one senior officer.
