Vulnerable points in Baisaran to get security cover after matter discussed at high level

Pahalgam: Highly placed sources confirmed to TOI that the issue of security at Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow was discussed at a high-level meeting of the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) after the April 22 massacre of tourists by terrorists. A list of 17-18 vulnerable points in Pahalgam was provided and it was decided that all these points will be manned by security forces in future.
Top officials privy to meetings held by different security agencies said they also discussed how the presence in the Baisaran area of just 2-3 security personnel armed with AK-47s might have averted the carnage or, at the very least, significantly reduced the death toll.
Baisaran meadow remains accessible to tourists throughout the year, yet security forces are deployed there only during June, timed with the arrival of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. There is, however, a CRPF camp at the base of the meadow, about 5 km by foot or pony from where the attack was carried out.
The security agencies work in close coordination to ensure a safe and secure Amarnath Yatra. The deployment of forces is done after an annual June meeting, before the yatra, and is attended by a range of stakeholders, including the Army, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, state police, NDRF, SDRF, fire services and intelligence agencies.
Security force personnel continued to cordon off Baisaran meadow, keeping it out of bounds for the public for a fourth day on Friday. Army Aviation Corps helicopters were seen hovering over the valley and adjoining forest areas. Unmanned aerial vehicles are also being used. When a TOI team approached an area close to the meadow, it was stopped by J&K police who said forensic teams were visiting the area.
TOI queries confirmed that Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) has leased the area for three years to a contractor who charges visitors a fee and also maintains the area. The contractors keep the area open round the year.
It has also emerged that, in addition to Baisaran, local guides had begun taking tourists deep into the forest to offer a more scenic and immersive experience, with little regard for security considerations.