Pahalgam Terror Attack: Forces Close in on Pakistani Terrorists with Tech and Local Help

In the wake of the horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians lost their lives, Indian security forces have launched a relentless manhunt to track down the perpetrators. The two primary suspects, identified as Pakistani nationals Ali Bhai alias Talha and Hashim Musa alias Suleiman, are believed to have infiltrated the region a year and a half ago and have since been involved in multiple terror strikes across the Valley.

Infiltration and Past Activities

According to intelligence sources, the group of terrorists entered Indian territory through the heavily patrolled Samba-Kathua border, allegedly breaching the border fencing. This suspected group has remained operational in the Valley since then, suspected of being behind several deadly ambushes. One such incident is the Z-morh tunnel attack in Sonmarg in October 2024, which resulted in the deaths of seven civilians.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had previously reprimanded a senior BSF officer over lapses during earlier investigations into the group’s infiltration, reflecting the high-stakes scrutiny surrounding the attackers’ movements.

Use of Local Support and Technology

Combining human intelligence with advanced technology, Indian forces — comprising the Army, Rashtriya Rifles, and paramilitary units — are conducting extensive combing operations in the upper reaches of Anantnag district. Tribal communities and local informants are playing a key role in pinpointing possible hideouts, while surveillance footage, drone mapping, and intercepted communications have aided the search.

According to police sources, eyewitnesses and video recordings from tourists and local guides were critical in confirming the identities of the attackers. The authorities have released sketches of the suspects and announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for information leading to their capture.

Third Attacker Identified: Adil Hussain Thoker

Alongside the two Pakistani nationals, a local militant affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Adil Hussain Thoker, has also been identified. Thoker, a former private school teacher from Bijbehara, Anantnag, reportedly traveled to Pakistan in 2018 under the guise of pursuing higher education. However, he ended up at a terror training camp and returned to India alongside the two main suspects.

He is believed to be actively involved in the Pahalgam carnage and possibly other incidents across Poonch, Baramulla, and South Kashmir.

Connections to Past Attacks

The trio is also under investigation for their possible involvement in several high-profile attacks over the past two years, including:

• May 2024: Attack in Poonch that killed an Indian Air Force personnel.

• October 2024: Ambush at Boot Pathari, leaving five dead including Army personnel.

• August 2023: Killing of three Army soldiers in Kulgam.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing these connections, analyzing recovered footage and communication logs.

The Precision and Brutality of the Attack

Eyewitnesses described the attack as shockingly well-coordinated. Reports suggest that the terrorists specifically targeted heads and upper torsos, indicating military-style precision. Preliminary autopsies confirm that 12 victims sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head.

During the attack, captured voices from CCTV and intercepted calls reveal that the terrorists were urging each other to "hurry up," possibly to escape before security reinforcements arrived. Investigators believe this points to their training in executing fast, high-casualty operations.

Community Response and Security Measures

The gruesome massacre has reignited debates around infiltration routes, intelligence sharing, and border security. Several public demonstrations have occurred in Anantnag and Srinagar, demanding swift justice and stricter counter-terror protocols.

Security forces have since tightened border patrols and imposed curfews in select areas to aid operations. Multiple checkpoints have been established across South Kashmir, while the NIA has dispatched a forensic team to analyze the massacre site.

What’s Next?

As the hunt intensifies, authorities believe the suspects are still hiding in the dense forested areas of Anantnag. Given their training and ability to survive in the wild for extended periods, tracking them remains a complex challenge. However, with the help of locals, satellite imaging, and recovered leads, officials are confident that it’s only a matter of time before the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The terror attack in Pahalgam has once again exposed the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism and underscored the need for multi-agency coordination and community vigilance in the battle against extremism in Kashmir.