Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Srinagar today for a high-level review of the security situation in the Valley, just days after a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 tourists. His visit comes at a time when tensions are running high along the Line of Control (LoC), with fresh ceasefire violations reported from across the border.
Upon arrival, Gen Dwivedi was briefed by the Victor Force at HQ 15 Corps Commander on the ground situation, ongoing counter terrorism operations, and the increasing frequency of Pakistani ceasefire breaches. He has called on the LG and met the DGP of Jammu and Kashmir on the prevailing situation. The discussions also covered intelligence updates and the Army’s current posture in sensitive areas of South Kashmir.
The Chief of Army Staff is expected to visit Baisaran, a scenic meadow above Pahalgam that turned into a site of horror on April 22. Militants, believed to be affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), targeted a group of Indian tourists with automatic gunfire. Survivors recount a nightmarish ambush where attackers fired indiscriminately, reportedly segregating victims based on religion. The attack shocked the nation and triggered widespread outrage.
So far, more than 1,500 individuals have been detained for questioning across Jammu and Kashmir, as security forces continue the manhunt for the attackers. Sketches and names of three suspected militants - Asif Fuji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha-have been released. Intelligence suggests strong cross-border links, with evidence pointing toward support from Pakistan-based groups.
General Dwivedi’s presence in the Valley is not just symbolic. It signals the Army’s resolve to hit back hard and restore a sense of safety in Kashmir’s tourism belt, which is vital to the local economy. His likely visit to the Baisaran attack site is seen as a morale booster for the security forces and a message to the perpetrators -India will not back down.
Meanwhile, diplomatic fallout from the attack is intensifying. India has suspended key bilateral agreements with Pakistan, including the Indus Waters Treaty, and expelled senior Pakistani diplomats. Islamabad has retaliated with similar measures, closing its airspace to Indian carriers and halting visa services.
As the nation mourns the lives lost in Pahalgam, the Army Chief’s visit reinforces the government’s commitment to rooting out terror from the Valley. Security has been ramped up across Kashmir, with additional deployments in vulnerable areas, and the Army on high alert.
This is not just about one attack. It’s about drawing the line. And today, that line runs through Baisaran.