The Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified the manhunt, releasing sketches of six suspected attackers believed to be Pakistani nationals affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. The key suspects include Adil Hussain Thokar, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa, all accused of masterminding the bloodbath that shook the tourist hotspot.
According to an update shared by Anantnag Police on X (formerly Twitter), a ₹20 lakh reward has been announced for actionable information that leads to the terrorists’ arrest or neutralization. “Anyone who provides actionable information aiding in eliminating the terrorists involved in this cowardly act will be rewarded with ₹20 lakh. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential,” said the police statement.
Survivors Helped Create Terrorist Sketches
With help from eyewitnesses who narrowly survived the ambush, police have circulated three sketch images to aid identification. The terrorists are believed to be operating under aliases such as Musa, Yunus, and Asif, reportedly connected to earlier attacks in Poonch.
J&K | Anantnag Police announces a reward of Rs 20 lakhs on information leading to the arrest of Pakistan nationals and LeT terrorists Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa, who were involved in the attack on tourists in Baisaran, Pahalgam on 22nd April pic.twitter.com/dfD9nbvBZj
— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025
Security forces believe these individuals approached tourists and asked for names and religious identities before opening fire, further underscoring the hate-fueled nature of the massacre.
Resistance Front Claims Responsibility
The attack is being linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba. TRF has allegedly claimed responsibility, marking this as one of the most gruesome terror strikes in the Valley in recent years.
Public Demands Justice And Security Reform
Videos from the scene showing panicked tourists and survivors continue to circulate online, fueling anger and grief nationwide. Citizens, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, are demanding swift justice and stronger protective measures at popular tourist sites.
Defense analysts have called for enhanced counter-terror operations and tighter cross-border monitoring to prevent similar attacks. Meanwhile, the fragile calm in the Valley has been further rattled, with renewed debates over national security and Pakistan-sponsored terror.
