Pahalgam Terror Attack Updates: Investigative agencies believe that seven terrorists, including four to five Pakistani nationals, were involved in the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 tourists dead on Tuesday. According to top intelligence sources, at least two of the attackers are believed to be local militants, although their identities have not been confirmed.
The attack occurred in Baisaran Valley, a scenic tourist hotspot often called the “Mini-Switzerland of Kashmir.” Eyewitness accounts, intercepted communication, and early intelligence assessments point to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as the group behind the massacre.
Attackers Likely Wore Body Cams, Say Police
The Indian Express reported that according to security personnel, the attackers likely wore body-mounted or gun-mounted cameras — a disturbing trend in recent terror operations aimed at filming attacks for propaganda purposes.
“This has become a normal practice now. All major attacks in Jammu over the last three years have been recorded by the terrorists. Lashkar is known to disseminate such footage for psychological warfare,” a senior J&K Police officer said.
Already, LeT-linked propaganda material related to the attack has surfaced online, further cementing suspicions of the group’s involvement.
Language Clues Point to Pakistani Origins
One senior officer from the security establishment noted that the Urdu spoken by the foreign terrorists had dialect markers typical of certain regions in Pakistan, helping intelligence agencies narrow down their origin.
ALSO READ: Sketches of 3 suspected terrorists behind Pahalgam terror attack released
“At least two militants are suspected to be local. But the rest were definitely not from Kashmir. Their speech patterns and Urdu were distinctly Pakistani,” the officer said.
Reward of Rs 20 Lakh Announced, Manhunt Intensifies
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has released sketches of three attackers and announced a Rs 20 lakh reward for information leading to their capture. The terrorists are believed to have escaped into the Pir Panjal mountain range, and a massive multi-agency manhunt is currently underway.
Search operations are being conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and J&K Police, with aerial surveillance now focused on known infiltration routes and escape corridors.
Amit Shah Visits Pahalgam Terror Attack Site, Victims; Security Revamp Underway
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached the Baisaran meadow on Wednesday and reviewed the attack site firsthand. He also met with survivors and family members of the victims and later chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar with top officials from the Army, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and J&K Police.
ALSO READ: ‘Not time for partisan politics’: Congress-led Opposition show unity to govt efforts after Pahalgam terror attack
“Every terrorist involved in this barbaric act will be hunted down. We will not rest until they are neutralized,” Shah reportedly told security officers during the closed-door meeting.
Infiltration Route Under Scrutiny
One of the biggest questions yet to be answered is how the attackers entered the Kashmir Valley. Officials suggest they may have infiltrated via southern routes near the Line of Control (LoC), possibly through Kokernag or Kishtwar — areas known for occasional cross-border movement.
“There are some vulnerabilities along the LoC. Based on inputs received, we’re actively checking those areas. But it’s still being ascertained exactly when and how they entered,” a senior intelligence officer said.
Terror in Paradise: The Baisaran Massacre
On Tuesday afternoon, around 2:30 PM, tourists were relaxing and taking selfies in the meadow when multiple gunmen emerged from the forest line and opened fire without warning. Survivors described the attack as a “bloodbath in broad daylight.”
In a chilling statement to a survivor, one terrorist allegedly said, “Go and tell Modi,” after killing her husband — a clear attempt to provoke and intimidate.
Background: Lashkar’s Digital Jihad
Security analysts say the use of body cameras by terrorists is a growing trend, especially among groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed, who then use the footage on dark web channels and encrypted Telegram groups for recruiting and spreading fear.
This development raises alarm bells ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. Authorities have already begun reviewing security arrangements and intelligence coordination for the pilgrimage.
