Investigators probing the Pahalgam terror attack have identified five terrorists, including three Pakistani nationals and two residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Officials confirmed the identities on Wednesday, marking a critical step in tracking down the perpetrators of the region’s deadliest terror strike in nearly two decades.
Pakistani Operatives Trained Across the Border
The Pakistani nationals identified are Asif Fauji (alias Musa), Suleman Shah (alias Yunus), and Abu Talha (alias Asif). Intelligence reports reveal these men received extensive training in Pakistan before infiltrating into India. Authorities said, “Fauji and Shah have operated in Jammu and Kashmir for some time and played roles in previous attacks, including one in Poonch.”
Local Terror Links from Anantnag and Pulwama
Investigators also named Adil Gurri, a Bijbehara resident who traveled to Pakistan in 2018, and Ahsan from Pulwama, who did the same year. Both are suspected of undergoing training there and re-entering India to join this operation.
Survivors Say Attackers Spoke in Urdu Before Opening Fire
According to survivor accounts, the attackers communicated in Urdu and demanded religious identification. “Any tourist who refused to comply was shot at close range,” officials stated. The lack of surveillance cameras near Baisaran meadows has made it difficult to gather visual evidence.
Terrorists Suspected to Have Escaped to Pir Panjal Hills
Authorities believe the terrorists fled towards the high-altitude regions of Pir Panjal. Investigators are now relying heavily on survivor testimonies. The role of Saifullah Kasuri, a close associate of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, is also under scrutiny.
Kasuri’s Video Adds to Suspicion
Officials are examining a video clip of Saifullah Kasuri dated February 2, in which he declared, “Kashmir will become a ‘holy land’ by February 2, 2026,” and warned of intensified militant operations. He added, “In the coming days, the Mujahideen will intensify their attacks and Kashmir will be liberated.”
