In a significant breakthrough, security agencies have released photographs of the terrorists responsible for the brutal attack on tourists in Pahalgam, a popular hill station in Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives last week. The release of these images is a crucial step in the ongoing hunt for the perpetrators, who are believed to be part of a Pakistan-backed terror module operating in South Kashmir.
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ToggleAttack Shocks the Nation
The heinous attack took place on April 16, 2025, when heavily armed terrorists ambushed a convoy of tourist vehicles returning from the Aru Valley area. Eyewitnesses reported indiscriminate firing, resulting in the death of 26 civilians, including women and children, and injuries to over 30 others. The incident marked one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in recent years.
Photographs Released
The Jammu & Kashmir Police, in coordination with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and intelligence agencies, have identified the attackers through CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and intercepted communications. The released photographs show three armed individuals—identified as:
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Aamir Wani, a known Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative from Pulwama.
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Sajid Mir, a foreign terrorist believed to be from Pakistan’s Punjab province.
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Irfan Shah, a local recruit with suspected links to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
All three are currently on the run, and a Red Corner Notice is expected to be issued by Interpol against Sajid Mir. The police have urged the public to report any information about the individuals and announced a reward of ₹25 lakh for information leading to their capture.
Investigation and Response
Top-level security meetings have been held in Srinagar and Delhi, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah stating, “This attack is an act of cowardice, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. We will not let the blood of innocent tourists go unavenged.”
Intensified counter-insurgency operations are underway in Anantnag, Pulwama, and Kulgam districts. So far, 14 suspects have been detained for questioning, and search operations continue in forested areas.
Political and International Reactions
Condemnations have poured in from across the political spectrum and international community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and promised swift action. The United States, United Kingdom, and France have also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India.
Tourism Industry Hit
The attack has deeply impacted the local tourism industry, with hundreds of cancellations reported. Authorities are working to restore confidence by ramping up security in and around key tourist zones and deploying special tourist police units.
Public Appeal
The J&K Police have appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity via their helpline. Posters with the released images have been circulated across South Kashmir, and efforts to track down the attackers have been escalated under “Operation Trident.”
The nation continues to mourn the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack, even as the search for justice gathers momentum.
