Indian Forces Launch Cordon and Search Operations in Pahalgam, IIOJK

Just a day after a deadly attack on tourists, the area of Pahalgam—usually filled with travelers—are now echoing with gunfire and military boots as Indian forces launch a new crackdown.

Indian forces have initiated a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Pahalgam area of Islamabad district in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The operation was launched following reports of gunfire in the scenic Baisaran meadow, a location frequented by tourists.

Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing gunshots earlier today from the upper meadow region of Baisaran, which lies nestled within the forested hills of Pahalgam. The sudden sound of firing caused panic among locals and raised alarm in a place known more for its natural beauty than armed conflict.

A senior police official confirmed the incident, stating that shots were indeed heard from the highland area of Baisaran. According to him, following the firing, joint teams of Indian police and paramilitary forces quickly mobilized and launched a search operation to secure the area and investigate the source of the gunfire.

The operation comes amid heightened security concerns in the region, especially after the recent attack on tourists that has drawn widespread condemnation and suspicion. The attack, which many Kashmiri leaders allege was orchestrated to malign the region’s peaceful struggle for freedom, has significantly escalated tensions in Pahalgam and surrounding areas.

Local sources say that movement in and around Baisaran has been restricted, and security personnel have cordoned off large swathes of the meadow and adjacent forest areas. Helicopters were reportedly seen hovering above, suggesting an extensive ground and aerial operation is underway.

This surge in military presence and operations has led to growing anxiety among residents and tourists alike. Many locals fear that the renewed security clampdown might result in harassment, arbitrary detentions, or disruptions to daily life, as has been reported in past CASOs across the IIOJK Valley.

The authorities have yet to officially confirm whether the gunfire involved any militant group or if any arrests or encounters have taken place during the operation. However, the situation remains tense, and further updates are expected as the search continues in the upper reaches of the area.