Pakistani Terrorists Entered J&K A While Ago, Took Part In Multiple Terror Attacks—What We Know About Pahalgam Attackers

The Pakistani terrorists believed to be responsible for the death of 26 individuals in Pahalgam, are thought to have infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) around a year and a half ago as part of a group from Pakistan.

The group is suspected to have breached the border through the Samba-Kathua region by cutting the fence, and since then, they have allegedly participated in multiple terror attacks, Indian Express reported.

IE sources indicated that their infiltration had previously been probed in the wake of specific terror events in the valley. A high-ranking officer from the Border Security Force (BSF) had even faced significant scrutiny from the Ministry of Home Affairs due to this.

Officials have reported that the Army, Rashtriya Rifles, and paramilitary forces are currently conducting searches in the higher regions of Anantnag, where they believe terrorists may be concealed.

A representative from the J&K Police has stated that they are utilising technological evidence and information from local tribal groups to assist in their pursuit. Anantnag Police have identified the two Pakistani terrorists as Ali Bhai, also known as Talha, and Hashim Musa, who goes by the alias Suleiman.

Authorities have disseminated their drawings, including one of local Lashkar-e-Taiba recruit, Adil Hussain Thoker, who is suspected to be the third attacker in Pahalgam. In addition, the police have offered a reward of Rs 20 lakh for any information that results in their apprehension.

Musa is believed to have participated in the attack on the Z-morh tunnel in Sonmarg that occurred on 20 October of the previous year, resulting in the death of seven individuals who were employed by a construction company.

The identities of the three assailants were verified through a combination of eyewitness accounts, video recordings from tourists and local guides, and data from security forces regarding active terrorists in the valley, according to IE sources.

“Several photographs of active terrorists were shown to eyewitnesses. They identified Musa from one of the photographs. From there, the identity of other attackers was confirmed based on all the available information,” a security establishment officer was quoted as saying by IE.