Multiple visitor testimonies appear to contradict the Centre’s reported assertion that there was no official police permission for tourists to visit Baisaran Valley, the picturesque meadow in Pahalgam where terrorists recently carried out one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in years, killing at least 26 people.
According to a report from an all-party meeting held on Thursday to discuss the tragedy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah allegedly told Opposition leaders that the meadow had been opened to tourists without police authorization, with over 1,000 visitors entering the area within two days.
Sources added that a special director from the Intelligence Bureau briefed political leaders, stating that Baisaran was unofficially opened to tourists on April 20, bypassing the usual procedure of informing security forces. Typically, access to the meadow is granted to tourists and Amarnath pilgrims only from June onwards.
Officials also pointed out that the location of the attack was a 45-minute uphill trek, complicating the rescue efforts for security forces, who had to hike to reach the victims.
However, numerous Google reviews seem to undermine these claims. Several tourists have posted photos and shared experiences indicating that they had visited Baisaran as early as March. Some praised the valley’s natural beauty, while others criticized the lack of safety measures.
One visitor who toured the valley two weeks ago highlighted the lack of oversight, writing:
“No proper government display of horse ride pricing. The ride is very risky. Safety guidelines and government regulation are urgently needed to prevent accidents.”
Another reviewer who visited a month ago warned future travelers:
“Avoid this spot when visiting Kashmir. The pony guides often take risky shortcuts to finish rides quickly and move on to the next customer.”
These firsthand accounts raise serious questions about official narratives concerning tourist access and security arrangements at Baisaran before the tragic attack.