TRF-linked gunmen target tourists; cross-border plot suspected
Srinagar |
Security agencies have released sketches and images of the terrorists believed to be behind the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead and many others injured on April 22. The brutal ambush targeted tourists at the scenic Baisaran meadow, shattering the region’s fragile calm.
🧾 Who Are the Suspects?
The terrorists have been identified as:
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Asit Fuji
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Suleman Shah
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Abu Talha
All three are allegedly linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), a known proxy of the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
According to officials, the attackers emerged from nearby pine forests, wearing camouflage mixed with local attire, and opened indiscriminate fire with AK-47s and military-grade weapons.
⚠️ Pakistani Hand Suspected
Initial intelligence suggests a cross-border conspiracy. Agencies have identified Saifullah Kasuri alias Khalid, a top LeT commander based in Pakistan, as the chief planner behind the ambush.
Eyewitnesses claim at least two attackers spoke in Pashto, while two others were locals from Bijbhera and Tral. Sources confirm that reconnaissance was done in advance, possibly with help from local collaborators.
🔍 Counter-Terror Operation Underway
Security forces have launched a large-scale counter-terror operation in the area.
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Helicopters are being used to survey the forests.
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Intelligence has traced digital footprints to safehouses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, further confirming external links.
The scale and sophistication of the attack—including use of body-mounted cameras, encrypted communication gear, dry rations, and first aid kits—suggest professional training and planning, far beyond typical local militant strikes.
😔 Witnesses Recall the Horror
Survivors described panic and bloodshed as gunfire broke out. Many tourists ran for cover in the dense woods, while others were trapped in open clearings. Forensic teams have since recovered surveillance gear and combat supplies from the site, pointing to a plan for a prolonged and high-impact operation.
🇮🇳 Nationwide Reaction and Security Tightening
The attack has triggered widespread outrage across India, with calls for heightened security in Kashmir’s tourist zones. Authorities have stepped up patrols, installed surveillance in vulnerable regions, and are working to prevent any further incidents.
As the investigation deepens, Pahalgam’s tragedy stands as a grim reminder of the continuing threat of cross-border terrorism—and the need for vigilance, resilience, and rapid response to protect civilians and preserve peace.
