Editorial photo #13610688 Human Interest

Kashmir Marks First Pahalgam Attack Anniversary

Indian policemen stand alert near the Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2026. The Kashmir Valley marks the first anniversary of the Pahalgam incident on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and one civilian. Security is significantly tightened across major tourist destinations in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir authorities have introduced a new QR code-based identification system for service providers. Officials state that every operator has been police-vetted and registered to ensure that only genuine, verified individuals work in the sector, a move aimed at rebuilding visitor confidence as tourism in the Valley shows signs of revival. Nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan control parts of Kashmir but claim it in full, and have fought two of their three wars over the region. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)