Ahead of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed by armed terrorists, security has been intensified across vital installations, including religious shrines.On April 22, 2025, a dastardly terrorist attack ripped through the quaint Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 tourists and a local pony-ride operator.The brutal attack carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists led to an exodus of tourists from J&K, prompting the authorities to shut nearly 50 tourist spots before reopening some of those in a phased manner after a security audit.All security agencies have been placed on high alert following reports of suspected militant movement last week in the Kathua and Samba districts along the International Border with Pakistan. Preparatory meetings to devise a foolproof security plan were held at the ground level while senior officers recently reviewed these arrangements, said officials.Religious shrines, including Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta Hills, as well as key tourist destinations across the Union Territory, have now been placed under heightened security.Security agencies are also strengthening vigil in the hilly areas near the Vaishno Devi shrine. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Udhampur-Reasi range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, conducted a security review of the Vaishno Devi track, Katra town, and adjoining villages—Gobian, Sulla, Remindi, and Devi Pindian—on Saturday.He reviewed the activation of Village Defence Guards and held coordination meetings with stakeholders. Police personnel in the Kakryal area have been instructed to remain extra vigilant and carry out regular patrols.Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Samba, Anuj Kumar, undertook a comprehensive tour of the Ramgarh sector to assess security and policing in border areas. He inspected checkpoints and Border Police Posts, including Koulpur and Kamore, and directed personnel to maintain strict vigilance.He also visited Border Security Force (BSF) outposts, including Tanwar, along the International Border. While interacting with personnel, the SSP stressed the need for close coordination with other agencies and effective area domination.The SSP further directed intensification of patrols along potential infiltration routes and the establishment of random night ambushes at vulnerable locations.As Pahalgam witnesses a renewed influx of tourists, security agencies have introduced additional safety measures. A QR code-based identification system has been launched for all tourism service providers in the area. The system enables quick verification of registered operators, including pony ride providers, hawkers, business establishments and outside vendors.During a recent meeting, Kashmir Inspector General of Police (IGP) VK Birdi directed that security arrangements around vulnerable installations and prominent tourist destinations be further strengthened to ensure a safe environment for visitors.2 US nationals detainedTwo US nationals were detained at the Srinagar International Airport on Sunday after a satellite phone was recovered from their luggage during routine screening, officials said.The two have been detained for questioning, the officials said.