Pahalgam Terror Incident: Identification of Five Militants Including Three From Pakistan
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Synopsis
Five terrorists involved in the recent Pahalgam attack have been identified, including three from Pakistan. The incident marks a significant escalation in violence in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a thorough investigation by authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Five terrorists identified in Pahalgam attack.
- Three Pakistan nationals named: Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, Abu Talha.
- Two local operatives from Jammu and Kashmir also involved.
- Attackers demanded religious affirmations from civilians.
- Investigation led by NIA with local police assistance.
Srinagar, April 24 (NationPress) Authorities have identified five militants behind the dreadful assault near Pahalgam town, comprising three individuals from Pakistan and two locals from Jammu and Kashmir. This marks one of the most severe terror incidents to hit the region in almost twenty years.
According to sources familiar with the investigations, the named Pakistani nationals are Asif Fauji (code name Moosa), Suleman Shah (code name Yunus), and Abu Talha (code name Asif).
Additionally, two operatives from the Valley have been identified: Adil Guri, a local from Bijbehara in Anantnag who traveled to Pakistan in 2018, and Ahsan, a resident of Pulwama who also went to Pakistan in the same year, as per the sources.
These Kashmiri operatives had recently infiltrated into India after undergoing extensive training in Pakistan. However, Fauji and Shah had been active in Jammu and Kashmir for some time and were allegedly involved in prior attacks, including one in Poonch, as reported by investigators.
On the day of the incident, the attackers in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow demanded that civilians, particularly men, affirm their faith by reciting Islamic prayers or displaying physical indicators like circumcision, according to preliminary investigations based on accounts from survivors.
The Jammu and Kashmir authorities have released sketches of three suspects and are offering a reward of Rs 20 lakh each for any information leading to their capture.
One of the attackers, identified as Moosa, is believed to have also played a role in the May 2024 assault on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Poonch, according to central intelligence agencies.
There are no CCTV cameras in proximity to the Baisaran meadow, making investigators heavily reliant on survivor testimonies. It is suspected that the assailants escaped to the higher ranges of the Pir Panjal after the attack.
A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), led by Inspector General Vijay Sakhare, is currently in Srinagar to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Officials have indicated that the federal anti-terror agency has assumed control of the investigation, with cooperation from the J&K Police.
The involvement of Saifullah Kasuri, a deputy of Lashkar-e-Toiba Chief Hafiz Saeed, is under scrutiny, officials disclosed.
In a video circulated on social media, Kasuri was seen stating on February 2 of this year that "Kashmir will become 'land of the pure' by February 2, 2026" and warned that "Mujahideen will escalate their attacks, leading to the liberation of Kashmir".
