Pahalgam Terror Attackers Still At Large As Probe Intensifies In South Kashmir

Nearly a month after the Pahalgam terror attack, authorities have yet to make a key breakthrough in locating the three terrorists-two foreign nationals and one local-suspected of carrying out the deadly strike, reported the Hindustan Times.

The attack, which took place on April 22 at the Baisaran valley in Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 26 people-25 tourists and one local resident.

Photo Credit: PTI

Senior officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) remain stationed in Pahalgam as the investigation continues.

"The probe is ongoing, and multiple agencies are actively pursuing leads. The three suspects, whose sketches were circulated, remain at large. However, it is only a matter of time before they are apprehended," said a senior police official familiar with the matter.

He added, "Forces are receiving intelligence from various sources and are working diligently to track them down."

Preliminary intelligence suggests the attackers escaped into the forests of south Kashmir following the assault.

The NIA and Jammu and Kashmir Police have questioned hundreds of individuals, including locals, tour operators, victims' families, and witnesses who were present at Baisaran during the incident.

An NIA officer deployed in the region stated, "The investigation remains sensitive, and disclosing too many details could compromise the ongoing efforts."

On Friday, Major General Dhananjay Joshi, General Officer Commanding of the Victor Force, confirmed that security forces have intensified operations across several locations in south Kashmir in the wake of the attack.

"Since the Pahalgam incident, our focus has been directed at key areas. We've received intelligence that terror groups have moved to higher forested areas as snow begins to melt," he said.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Kashmir, VK Birdi, also noted that security forces have revised their strategy in south Kashmir.

Following the 22 April attack, the army and police launched comprehensive search operations in the forests of south Kashmir and in Kishtwar district in Jammu division. Authorities have announced a ₹20-lakh reward for any information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Investigators have identified the perpetrators as Adil Hussain Thoker (a local), Hashim Musa, and Adil Bhai-both of whom are believed to be Pakistani nationals.

Musa, also known as Suleiman, and Ali Bhai, also referred to as Talha Bhai, are said to have been operating in south Kashmir for the past one to two years.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.