Srinagar– Security forces on Wednesday released photographs and sketches of the terrorists suspected to have carried out the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead and several others injured.
Three suspects identified as Asif Fuji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha are believed to be among the attackers. Authorities suspect they are members of The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The assailants opened fire on a group of tourists at Baisaran Meadow, located about six kilometers from Pahalgam town. According to security officials, at least five to six terrorists—dressed in camouflage gear and kurta-pajamas—emerged from the dense pine forests surrounding the meadow and unleashed gunfire using AK-47 rifles.
Intelligence sources confirmed that the group included Pakistani nationals who infiltrated the Kashmir Valley just days before the assault. Saifullah Kasuri, also known by the alias Khalid and a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, has been identified as the mastermind behind the attack.
In response, security forces have launched an extensive anti-terror operation, deploying helicopters to search the rugged terrain where the attackers used forest cover to escape.
Preliminary forensic analysis, along with survivor accounts, revealed that the terrorists were equipped with military-grade weapons and advanced communication devices—indicating substantial external logistical support. Investigators also discovered that the attackers wore body cameras and helmet-mounted cameras to record the attack.
The terrorists were well-prepared, bringing along dry fruits and medical supplies to sustain themselves in the wilderness. Intelligence sources believe the attackers had conducted reconnaissance of the area beforehand with assistance from local collaborators.
Eyewitnesses reported that two of the terrorists spoke Pashto, suggesting Pakistani origins, while two others were identified as locals—Adil and Asif—hailing from Bijbhera and Tral.
The level of precision and planning involved in the assault, including the use of sophisticated gear and tactics, points to the involvement of trained handlers rather than local operatives acting alone.
Further investigation has traced the digital footprints of the attackers to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, bolstering evidence of cross-border support for the operation. (Source: IANS)
