No security in Baisaran at time of terror attack

REPORTEDLY, no security personnel were deployed at the Baisaran meadow, the "mini Switzerland" where terrorists mowed down 25 tourists and a local resident on April 22 in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in J&K in over three decades of militancy.

- FAYAZ WANI @ Pahalgam

"This was the first-ever attack on tourists in Pahalgam. And there was no security presence in the Baisaran meadow when the attack unfolded," J&K Pony Walas Association president Waheed Ahmed claims.

It is worth noting that the road to Baisaran is not motorable. The tourist spot can be reached only on foot or on horses or ATV scooters. Baisaran meadow is also surrounded by dense forests. And the closest security camp to the meadow—a CRPF one—is distant around six to seven kilometers away from it. It is said that about 300 tourists were present at the picturesque spot when the terrorists struck.

Locals say that the spectre of terrorism or a security threat never loomed over Baisaran and that tourists never hesitated to roam around freely here.