Pahalgam Attack: 5 Terrorists Identified, 3 Pakistanis, 2 Kashmiris to Face Justice

New Delhi: The five terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack have now been identified, according to security sources. Among them are three Pakistani nationals and two residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani terrorists have been named as Asif Fauji (alias Musa), Suleman Shah (alias Yunus), and Abu Talha (alias Asif). The local militants have been identified as Adil Gurri from Bijbehara, Anantnag, and Ahsan from Pulwama. Both reportedly traveled to Pakistan in 2018 for arms training.

Pahalgam Attack: The Worst in Two Decades

Described as the deadliest terrorist assault in the region in the past twenty years, the attack took place at Pahalgam's Baisaran ground. According to initial findings, the Kashmiri militants recently infiltrated India after long-term training in Pakistan. However, Fauji and Shah had already been operating within Jammu and Kashmir and were linked to earlier terror attacks, including one in Poonch.

Militants Forced Civilians to Prove Their Religion

Eyewitness accounts have revealed a disturbing detail—during the attack, the militants reportedly asked male civilians to demonstrate their religion, either by reciting Islamic prayers or through physical signs such as circumcision. This chilling tactic further highlights the brutality of the assailants.

Authorities Offer ₹20 Lakh for Information

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with central intelligence agencies, have released sketches of three suspects and announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for any information leading to their capture. One of the attackers, Musa, has also been connected to the May 2024 ambush on an Indian Air Force convoy in Poonch.

Lack of CCTV Footage Hampers Investigation

Investigators are facing a challenge due to the absence of CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the Baisaran ground. As a result, they are relying heavily on survivor testimonies. It is suspected that the attackers may have escaped to the forested Pir Panjal range following the incident.

NIA and Police Join Forces for Probe

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), led by Inspector General Vijay Sakhare, has taken charge of the investigation. The Jammu and Kashmir Police are working closely with the federal agency. Officials are also examining the potential role of Saifullah Kasuri, a known aide of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed. A video clip from February shows Kasuri declaring that Kashmir would be "liberated" by 2026—a statement now under scrutiny.

Authorities have pledged to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. As investigations continue, the focus remains on tracking down the terrorists and dismantling the network that enabled the attack.