Srinagar, Apr 23: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday conducted a review of the security situation at Pahalgam’s Baisaran picnic spot, a day after a deadly terrorist attack claimed the lives of 27 civilians and left 17 others injured, mostly tourists. The attack is one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir in two decades.
Shah, who arrived at the site following an aerial survey, was accompanied by senior security officials. He surveyed the area under tight security measures and received a briefing on ongoing investigations and combing operations. Before visiting the site, Shah paid floral tributes to the victims at a ceremony in Srinagar and met the grieving families of those killed.
In a post on social media platform X, Shah expressed his condolences: “With a heavy heart, I paid my last respects to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared.”
Following the attack, security has been ramped up across the Kashmir Valley. A multi-agency investigation is underway, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) joining forces with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. A team from NIA, led by a Deputy Inspector General, arrived in Baisaran on Wednesday to collect evidence and assist with the probe.
Security forces, including the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary units, have launched an extensive search operation that involves helicopters, drones, radar systems, and quadcopters. All entry and exit points to the area have been sealed as part of the heightened security measures.
A senior police officer explained the ongoing operation, noting, “We are conducting a high-tech operation with aerial and ground surveillance. The terrain is challenging, but we are utilizing advanced technology to ensure the operation is precise. Our primary goal is to apprehend the terrorists and neutralize the threat.”
“We are utilising all available resources to ensure that no stone is left unturned. Our priority is to apprehend the terrorists and secure the area. The operation is challenging due to the mountainous terrain and the dense forests, but we are committed to neutralizing the threat,” he said.
The official said that the coordination between various security agencies is seamless. “The terrorists are likely hiding in dense forests and difficult terrain. We are employing drones, radars, and aerial surveillance to track their movements and will act swiftly once their location is confirmed.”
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches of three terrorists suspected to be involved in the attack. The suspects, identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha (code-named Moosa, Yunus, and Asif), are believed to be affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF). Authorities suspect that at least two of the attackers may be foreign nationals.
The sketches were based on eyewitness accounts and survivor statements. Police also believe these terrorists have previously been involved in terrorist activity in the Poonch sector. They are reportedly armed with AK-series rifles and an M4 carbine.
In a bid to track down the attackers, the authorities have announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for any credible information leading to their neutralization. Anantnag police have also released contact details for anyone wishing to provide information, assuring the confidentiality of the informant’s identity.
The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based terror outfit, claimed responsibility for the attack late Tuesday. The group has been active in the region and has taken credit for several attacks in recent years.
Earlier in the day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Police Control Room in Srinagar to meet the victims’ families and closely monitor the situation. Additional CRPF companies and Army units have been deployed across the southern districts of Kashmir, including Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian.
In response to the escalating threat, security has been further intensified along key highways, especially those surrounding the operation zone. Checkpoints have been set up, and all vehicles are being closely monitored. Authorities have also issued an alert across South Kashmir districts, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Increased patrols are being carried out, and additional reinforcements are on standby to address any further threats.
