PAHALGAM: Re-verification of all pony guides and other locals in Pahalgam town is being carried out by local police. This action is based on the initial statements of tourists who had visited Baisaran meadow on April 22, the day 26 people were killed there by terrorists, and on videos released on social media by these holidayers.
As many as 20 pony handlers and local guides present in Baisaran on April 22 are being questioned regularly by local cops. On Friday, hundreds of pony owners and guides were called to Pahalgam police station for “verification”. There was not even room to set foot inside the PS.
“This is natural. We are being called for verification by police. Although we all were issued proper passes after verification, police are now undertaking more antecedent-checking drives to remove their doubts. We are cooperating fully with them,” said Wahid Wani, president of Stand No. 1, Pony Guide Association, Pahalgam.
Wani confirmed that as many as 20 pony guides are being closely monitored or examined. Although they are not being detained, they are called every day for examination, he added. Efforts were made to speak to local police station officers to get more details, but they remained tight-lipped, citing restrictions from senior officers.
Sources confirmed to TOI that not only pony guides/service providers but those involved in selling shawls and Maggi noodles, and people from villages adjacent to Baisaran have been called for verification. Even local police who were on traffic and other duties in the area Tuesday are being called for recording of statements.