J-K officials had intel alert on terror attack, but in Srinagar: Report

Security officials in Jammu and Kashmir received a crucial alert from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other agencies stating that there might be a terror attack on tourists on April 19, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to visit the Union Territory, Hindustan Times reported quoting officials familiar with the matter. However, the terror attack on tourists took place in Pahalgam, 90 km away, on April 22, leaving 22 people dead.

Following the intelligence input, security was beefed up in and around Srinagar, especially near several hotels frequently occupied by tourists and popular tourist destinations like Dachigam National Park, 22 km from Srinagar.

Also Read: Pahalgam attack: India suspends exchange of mail, parcel services with Pakistan

'Got the location wrong'

“Nine out of ten times they don’t come to anything but this one proved correct about tourists. The interpretation, which is the trickiest part, got the location wrong,’’ said a senior police officer as quoted by Hindustan Times.

He further revealed that both Army and civilian security officials in the Union Territory were instructed to prepare for a terror attack at the time of the Prime Minister’s visit at a popular tourist destination near Srinagar.

Also Read: Pahalgam attack: India suspends exchange of mail, parcel services with Pakistan

PM's visit cancelled

But things took a different turn when four days ahead of the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit the Meteoroidal Department issued a warning of bad weather around April 18-19, following which the visit was cancelled by his office.

According to the Hindustan Times report, the PM’s travel itinerary included boarding a chopper to about three sectors, and bad weather would have resulted in severe hindrance. Even after the trip was cancelled, security officials remained on high alert.

DGP Nalin Prabhat stayed put in Srinagar for four days to monitor the situation in and around Srinagar.

When the Pahalgam attack took place on April 22, the DGP had just landed in Jammu and had to rush back immediately.

Also Read: Pakistan test-fires ballistic missile; India calls it ‘dangerous escalation’

'No specific mention of Pahalgam attack'

The report states that several officials confirmed that there was no specific mention of Pahalgam in any of the intelligence inputs. They also said it was now clear that following the cancellation of PM’s visit, the terrorists lay low and waited for a suitable opportunity.

As for the "security lapse", the officials said it took place in anticipating the attack in Baisaran, which is open throughout the year and only closed during the Amarnath Yatra.

Pointing out that the terrorists were living in the area and are still likely there, officials said that the key lapse was of local intelligence.

Army officials on the ground told Hindustan Times that they were not aware of these inputs.