In one of the most devastating terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent memory, 28 people, including two foreign nationals, lost their lives when suspected militants opened fire on a group of tourists at the picturesque Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon.
Mastermind Identified
Intelligence agencies have identified Saifullah Kasuri alias Khalid, a senior commander of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as the key orchestrator of the attack, according to sources.
Khalid is believed to be operating from Gujranwala in Pakistan.
Intelligence sources note that he had previously voiced dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s evolving stance on Kashmir, particularly after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
He had publicly criticised Islamabad’s decision to curtail LeT operations in the Valley, blaming it on growing unrest in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Two additional operatives from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are also suspected to have played significant roles in planning the ambush.
Deadly Terror Attack
The attack, carried out around 2:30 p.m., reportedly involved militants from The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned LeT. The assailants targeted a group of defenceless tourists, unleashing indiscriminate gunfire.
The nation has been gripped by grief and anger, with survivors recounting terrifying scenes of panic and bloodshed. The horrific attack has sparked widespread condemnation and mourning across the country.
Gunmen’s Sketches Released
Security agencies have released sketches of three individuals suspected to be involved in the horrific Pahalgam terror attack.
The suspects have been identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. According to officials, the trio also operated under code names — Moosa, Yunus, and Asif.
Modi Returns From Saudi Arabia
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official trip to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi early Wednesday morning.
Upon arrival, he was immediately briefed on the situation and is expected to chair a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) later in the evening.
Intelligence inputs suggest that five to six terrorists were involved in the assault, including recent infiltrators who crossed over from across the Line of Control (LoC).
Anti-Terror Ops Launched
A large-scale security operation has been launched in the Pahalgam region, combining aerial reconnaissance with ground searches to locate the attackers.
Authorities have also released sketches of three suspects linked to the carnage.
NIA Joins Probe
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team, led by an inspector general, has reached Pahalgam to support the ongoing probe.
The team is collaborating closely with local police in the investigation.
Amit Shah At Ground Zero
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday visited Baisaran meadow, the site of the deadly terror attack.
Later, he paid homage to the victims by laying wreaths and met with survivors and grieving families in Srinagar.
He assured them that those responsible would face justice.
Shah had arrived in Pahalgam just hours after the incident and was debriefed by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat.
Ex-Gratia Announced
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for each bereaved family.
Those critically injured will receive Rs 2 lakh, and individuals with minor injuries will be granted Rs 1 lakh.
Valley Shuts Down In Protest
In a rare and significant public response, a complete shutdown is being observed across both Jammu and Kashmir in protest against the heinous attack.
It marks the first widespread shutdown in the Valley condemning terrorism in 35 years.
Shops, businesses, and petrol stations were closed throughout Srinagar and other areas, while public transportation was limited. Although private vehicles were seen on the roads, private schools were shut, and only government schools remained open.
Authorities confirmed that only essential service providers were allowed to function, with the shutdown impacting nearly every district in the Valley.
(With inputs from IBNS)
