Pahalgam Rolls Out QR Code IDs for Tourism Service Providers

Authorities in Pahalgam, a scenic tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, have launched a QR code-based identification system for tourism service providers to bolster security and rebuild visitor confidence nearly a year after a deadly terror attack. The initiative, implemented by local police, targets pony handlers, taxi drivers, photographers, vendors, and other workers, allowing instant verification through mobile scans to prevent unauthorized activities and ensure accountability.

The attack occurred on April 22 last year in the nearby Baisaran meadow, where militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba killed 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local pony handler who attempted to intervene. The incident, carried out by assailants from across the border, severely disrupted the region's tourism-dependent economy and prompted a comprehensive security overhaul. In response, authorities identified 17 to 18 vulnerable spots, including popular tourist areas, for stricter enforcement of the new system.

Under the program, service providers must submit verification forms and undergo police background checks, with even minor criminal records potentially leading to...