Indian police have pinpointed three principal suspects—two of them Pakistanis—into the horrific terrorist strike on holidaymakers in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed a minimum of 26 people and left more than a dozen others hurt. The historic attack on visitors to the picturesque Baisaran meadow on April 22 has induced a massive security sweep, diplomatic standoff with Pakistan, and country-wide outburst of grief and indignation.
Suspects Identified, Rewards Announced:
Police sketches and notices were issued naming three suspected militants who carried out the attack, with two identified as Pakistani nationals—Asif Fauji (alias Moosa) and Suleman Shah (alias Yunus)—and the third, Abu Talha (alias Asif), also suspected to be from Pakistan. Two others are local militants who allegedly underwent training in Pakistan. The authorities have offered a reward of ₹20 lakh for their arrest based on information provided.
Attack Details and Victims:
The attackers opened fire on the tourists in the Baisaran meadow region, killing 26 individuals—predominantly Indian nationals, one Nepali citizen, and a local guide—and wounding at least 17 others. Survivor testimonies indicate that the attackers compelled male victims to recite Islamic prayers or display religious symbols before killing them, suggesting a targeted attack on non-Muslims.
Militant Groups and Cross-Border Connections:
The investigators suspect the attack was planned by a nexus of Pakistan-based militant groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, with potential role of Lashkar commander Saifullah Kasuri, a Hafiz Saeed deputy. A lesser-known group, "Kashmir Resistance," said it was responsible, mentioning complaints about demographic shifts in the state.
Security and Diplomatic Response:
India has initiated a huge manhunt by the Army, paramilitary forces, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is currently heading the investigation. Security has been tightened in Kashmir with more checkpoints and patrols. India has retaliated by downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and expelling Pakistani military attaches.
Public and Political Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a countrywide moment of silence for the victims and pledged justice, as the Centre also gained wide political support for its reaction. Protests and candlelight vigils have been staged nationwide, and demands for a united stand against terrorism have been made.
Challenges in the Investigation:
With no CCTV available at the site of the attack, the authorities are depending on survivor accounts and forensic data. The attackers are thought to have escaped to the Pir Panjal range, and search operations are continuing in the forested area.
Current Situation
The Pahalgam attack is the largest civilian killing in Kashmir since 2019 and represents a shocking escalation of hitting tourists. The attack has heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, with New Delhi promising a "strong response" and security officials on alert to avert more violence.
Source: Times of India, Indian Express, Reuters, DD News, CNN, AP News, Al Jazeera, PGurus
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