Probe indicates 7 terrorists, including 4-5 from Pakistan, behind Pahalgam attack

“The Urdu that they (the foreign terrorists) spoke is spoken in certain parts of Pakistan… At least two local militants are suspected to be accompanying them but we don’t yet know which part of Kashmir they came from,” an officer from the security establishment told The Indian Express.

Authorities have released sketches of at least three terrorists and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh each for any information on them. All attackers are believed to have fled to the higher reaches of the Pir Panjal range, and search operations are underway by the Army, the central paramilitary forces and the J&K police.

The attackers are suspected to have had on body cameras – “a normal practice these days”, an officer from the J&K police said.

“All attacks in Jammu in the past three years have been shot through body or gun-mounted cameras. These videos are used for propaganda purposes. The LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) has already come out with propaganda material using the footage,” this officer said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Baisaran meadow and took stock of how the attack took place. He is also holding security review meetings with all top officials from the police, the Intelligence Bureau and the Army in Srinagar. He also met victims of the attack on Wednesday.

It’s still unknown how the attackers entered Kashmir and for how long they have been in the Valley.

“It is still being ascertained. There are some indications based on existing vulnerabilities on the border and some inputs that have been received but nothing is confirmed. Agencies are verifying the details and the border is being checked for signs of infiltration,” an officer said.