JK – Agencies
The Jammu and Kashmir police have released sketches of three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. The sketches, based on eyewitness accounts, identify the suspects as:
- Asif Fauji (Code name: Moosa)
- Suleman Shah (Code name: Yunus)
- Abu Talha (Code name: Asif)
These individuals are believed to be affiliated with The Resistance Front, a shadow outfit of the proscribed group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The terrorists allegedly opened fire on a group of tourists at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, resulting in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since 2019.
Investigation and Government Response
Intelligence agencies suggest that the attack was designed by Saifullah Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, and two POK-based operatives. However, this information couldn’t be independently verified.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. He cut short his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and held a high-level meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar upon his return. The Cabinet Committee of Security, comprising the defence, foreign, home, and finance ministers, is scheduled to discuss the attack.
International Reactions
The attack drew widespread condemnation from world leaders, including:
- US President Donald Trump, who conveyed his deepest condolences to PM Modi
- Australian PM Anthony Albanese
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
- Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed “sincere condolences” to the victims’ families
- Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, who offered assistance to the victims
- China, which strongly condemned the attack
- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who expressed shock and solidarity
Search Operation and Relief Efforts
The army and police have launched a search operation to locate the attackers. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team has also reached the site to assist with the investigation. Several states, including Karnataka, have issued helpline numbers to assist affected tourists and their families.
