Seven Terrorists Suspected in Pahalgam Attack; Infiltration and Propaganda Tactics Under Probe
Security agencies suspect that a total of seven terrorists, including four to five believed to be of Pakistani origin, were involved in the brutal terror attack on tourists at Baisaran valley meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.
According to intelligence inputs and eyewitness testimonies gathered so far, at least two of the attackers may be local militants, although their exact identities are still being verified. Officials noted that the language and accent used by some of the assailants — specifically, the style of Urdu spoken — match dialects common in certain regions of Pakistan.
“The Urdu they spoke is specific to parts of Pakistan. Two among them seemed to be locals, but we are yet to determine from which area of Kashmir they hail,” said a senior officer from the security establishment.
Manhunt Underway: Sketches Released, Rewards Announced
In a bid to identify and capture the attackers, the authorities have released sketches of at least three suspects and announced a cash reward of ₹20 lakh for any credible information leading to their capture.
The terrorists are believed to have fled towards the higher elevations of the Pir Panjal mountain range. A massive search and combing operation involving the Indian Army, central paramilitary forces, and Jammu & Kashmir Police is currently underway across the region.
Use of Body Cameras for Terror Propaganda
Investigators believe that the attackers wore body cameras, a tactic increasingly used in recent militant operations to capture and later disseminate video footage for propaganda purposes.
“In the last three years, all major terror strikes in Jammu have been documented using body-worn or gun-mounted cameras. The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has already started circulating propaganda materials using such video clips,” a J&K police official revealed.
This disturbing trend is part of a broader digital warfare strategy aimed at spreading fear and glorifying acts of terrorism online.
Home Minister Reviews Ground Situation
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who flew to Srinagar shortly after the attack, visited the site of the massacre in Baisaran meadow on Wednesday. Shah personally reviewed the scene and was briefed on the modus operandi of the attackers, security lapses (if any), and the progress of ongoing search operations.
During his visit, the Home Minister also held extensive security review meetings with top officials from the Intelligence Bureau, Army, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, stressing the need for enhanced vigilance and coordination.
In addition, Shah met with survivors and families of the victims, assuring them of every possible support and reaffirming the government’s commitment to justice.
Entry Route Still Unclear
Security forces are still investigating how the group managed to infiltrate the Kashmir Valley and whether they had been operating in the region for a prolonged period.
“We’re looking into all possible infiltration routes. There are some leads based on known vulnerabilities along the Line of Control (LoC) and preliminary inputs we’ve received, but nothing has been conclusively confirmed yet,” a senior security official said.
Meanwhile, border surveillance has been intensified, with checks underway to trace any signs of recent infiltration or logistical support networks within the Valley.
