Find Out Who Is Hashim Moosa | In a major breakthrough in the investigation into the brutal Pahalgam terror attack, Indian security agencies have identified three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists responsible for orchestrating the massacre that killed 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Among the three accused, two key masterminds — Hafiz Saeed, the chief of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, and his close aide Saifullah Kasuri — are currently believed to be in Pakistan. The third, Hashim Moosa, is suspected to be hiding in the dense forests of south Kashmir, and a massive manhunt is underway to apprehend him before he manages to escape across the border.
Who is Hashim Moosa: From Pakistani Commando to LeT Terrorist
According to top security sources, Hashim Moosa was a former para-commando in Pakistan’s Special Service Group before joining Lashkar-e-Taiba. He is accused of infiltrating into Indian territory in 2023 and has since been linked to a series of deadly terror strikes in the Valley. These include:
- An attack in Ganderbal (October 2024) that killed seven civilians
- A targeted strike in Baramulla, which left four security personnel dead
- At least six terror incidents across Jammu and Kashmir in the past year
Authorities have now confirmed that Moosa played a central role in planning and executing the April 22 massacre in Pahalgam, in which unarmed civilians were gunned down in cold blood while visiting the scenic Baisaran region.
Bounty Announced, Intelligence Confirms Escape Attempt
With credible intelligence indicating that Moosa may attempt to flee back to Pakistan, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have announced a ₹20 lakh reward for actionable information leading to his capture. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, officials have said.
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Security officials are reportedly keen to apprehend Moosa alive, as his testimony would serve as irrefutable proof of Pakistan’s direct involvement in cross-border terrorism and the Pahalgam killings.
Two additional accused — Adil Thoker and Asif Sheikh — have also been identified as co-conspirators in the attack. Police have placed a ₹20 lakh bounty on each of them as well.
India-Pakistan Relations Hit New Low
The fallout from the attack has pushed India-Pakistan relations to a new low. India has already taken several strong non-military measures:
- Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960
- Revoked visas issued to Pakistani citizens
- Shut down the Wagah-Attari border for civilian movement
Islamabad, in response, has warned that it may pull out of all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, which governs the Line of Control (LoC).
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The Indian government, meanwhile, has assured that it will track down and punish those responsible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces a free hand to determine the timing, targets, and strategy for any military response.
