As questions mount over the security lapse that led to the murder of 26 tourists in Baisaran valley, Pahalgam, the Union government and top officials blame a supposed communication gap. At an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, April 24, top security officials reportedly said they were unaware that the valley had been opened to tourists on April 20 — and that this lapse explained the absence of Army presence in the area.
According to Deccan Herald, a Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau told political leaders that Baisaran is typically opened to tourists and Amarnath pilgrims only in June. As per a report by the Hindu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also said the area had been thrown open without police clearance, with over 1,000 visitors in just two days. Indian Union Muslim League’s Member of Parliament (MP) Haris Beeran later confirmed this to the media.
This version of events, however, is now being challenged — not just by tourists and tour operators who say Baisaran has been open year-round, but also by evidence on social media and even the official government tourism website. Hundreds of photos and videos show that Baisaran has been buzzing with tourist activity well before April 20.
A simple Google search shows that the listing for ‘Baisaran Valley’ has 4,519 reviews and a rating of 4.5 stars. While some reviews mention overpriced or unsafe pony rides, none reference any travel restrictions. Instagram too is filled with videos of travel vloggers recommending Baisaran as a year-round destination.
TNM also spoke to tour operators and tourists who visited the valley before April 20, who confirmed that the meadow — often dubbed ‘Mini Switzerland’ — remains open throughout the year, including during the Amarnath pilgrim season. Most of them are unaware of any restrictions in the area.
Zilzila Kalady, one of the directors of Kerala-based tour group Parava Destinations, said her team has regularly sent tourists to Baisaran. “The only time it was closed was for some maintenance work last year,” she said. Her husband, Sajid Parvesh, visited Baisaran with friends on April 2, weeks before the supposed “official opening.”
Even the official website of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism lists Baisaran valley as a major tourist place to visit in Pahalgam. “Accessible through ponies from Pahalgam, this off-beaten track of Jammu and Kashmir tourism offers panoramic sights of the town and Lidder Valley,” it says. There is no mention of any seasonal restrictions.
“Unlike other parts of Kashmir, I couldn’t find any presence of armed forces in Baisaran during my visit around 20 days ago,” one of the tourists told TNM. Only locals and pony operators were there, even though the place sees hundreds of tourists every day, she said.
She pointed out that they went past many Army outposts before reaching Pahalgam. “So it is unbelievable that security forces are unaware of such a large movement of tourists to Baisaran valley,” she added.