Pahalgam Attackers Still at Large in South Kashmir, Using Advanced Tactics, NIA Sources Reveal
By New Delhi Post Desk, New Delhi:
More than a week after the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has indicated that the attackers remain active and are likely hiding in south Kashmir. The terrorists, who executed the assault with chilling precision, are believed to be self-reliant and equipped with advanced communication systems, posing significant challenges to security forces.
Terrorists Suspected to Be Hiding in South Kashmir Forests
NIA sources tracking the investigation into the Pahalgam attack have reported credible intelligence suggesting that the four terrorists involved are still in south Kashmir, possibly concealed in dense forested areas. During the attack in Baisaran valley, additional terrorists were suspected of maintaining a distance, potentially to provide cover-fire in case of a rapid response from security forces. This tactical setup indicates a well-planned operation designed to maximize casualties and ensure escape.
Self-Reliant Attackers with Ultra-Secure Communication
The attackers are reportedly highly self-reliant, carrying food and essential provisions that allow them to operate independently in rugged terrain for extended periods without external support. Adding to the complexity, they used an ultra-secure communication system during the assault, one that operates without SIM cards and enables short-range encrypted messaging. This technology has made it difficult for security agencies to intercept their communications or track their movements in real time, highlighting a sophisticated level of preparation.
Horrific Details of the Attack Emerge from Eyewitnesses
Eyewitness and survivor accounts paint a grim picture of the attack’s execution. The terrorists, numbering four, strategically blocked both entry and exit gates of the Baisaran meadow—a popular tourist spot known as ‘mini Switzerland.’ Three of them opened fire on unsuspecting tourists engaged in activities like picnicking and pony riding. Two attackers wore military fatigues, while a third was dressed in a traditional Kashmiri pheran. They attempted to segregate the crowd by gender and religion, demanding that victims recite the Kalma before opening fire indiscriminately. Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal was among the first killed, with the highest casualties near tea and bhelpuri stalls.
Meticulous Planning and Reconnaissance Uncovered
Further investigation revealed the terrorists’ meticulous planning, including reconnaissance of three locations in the area on April 15, 2025. One suspect surveyed a local amusement park but abandoned the plan due to heavy security presence. The attackers—two of whom entered through the main gate, one stationed at the exit, and a fourth suspected to be in the nearby pine forest—fled by scaling a wall on the park’s left side after the assault. The NIA’s findings underscore the calculated nature of the attack, raising questions about the adequacy of security measures in tourist-heavy areas.