Terror in Paradise: Pahalgam Attack Masterminds Still Hiding in South Kashmir, Says NIA

Lashkar proxy terrorists still hiding, NIA reveals use of encrypted tech & terror recon

More than a week after the brutal terror strike in Pahalgam’s Baisaran valley that claimed 26 lives, including Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal, sources in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) indicate the threat is yet to subside. Intelligence inputs suggest that the terrorists who carried out the April 22 attack are still operational in south Kashmir, perhaps reorganizing for more attacks.

Investigators suspect that the four attackers committed the atrocity with icy deliberation. Two of them came through the front gate, one guarded the back exit, and a fourth reportedly kept cover from the pine woods. Their plan maximized casualties and reduced response time for security personnel.

Tourists Stranded in ‘Mini Switzerland’ War Zone

The Baisaran meadow, which is popularly known as ‘mini Switzerland’, became a death trap as terrorists attacked tourists out for a sunny afternoon. The attackers tried to segregate the crowd based on gender and religion, as per eyewitnesses. When people were not willing to do so, they were requested to read the Kalma, the Islamic creed, before firing broke out.

The initial shots were fired close to the exit gate, causing panic. As the tourists dashed for the entrance, they were attacked by the terrorists waiting in ambush. The highest casualties were near food stalls, where families had stopped to relax.

Militants Armed for Long Haul, Used Encrypted Tech

Intelligence officials say that the attackers were extremely autonomous, bringing food and basic supplies with them to stay alive for months in wooded country. Authorities also discovered the deployment of cutting-edge short-range encrypted communication networks that do not use SIM cards, a severe barrier to real-time monitoring and tracking.

A week before the attack, the terrorists are said to have made reconnaissance of several possible targets in the region. One such area, a local amusement park, was left untouched due to strict security.

Tensions Mount Along LoC as India, Pakistan Trade Fire

In the backdrop of the increased vigil, ceasefire violations on the Line of Control (LoC) have continued for the seventh consecutive night, with Pakistani soldiers initiating unprovoked firing in various sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. India has retaliated accordingly. This occurred even as top military commanders of the two sides had a hotline conversation to tone down tensions.

The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, has taken responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack. India responded by reducing diplomatic relations and closing its airspace to Pakistan, which has taken reciprocal measures.

NIA Tightens Net, Political Ramifications Deepen

NIA Director General Sadanand Date went to Pahalgam on Thursday to monitor the probe. In the meantime, Pakistan has named incumbent ISI chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik as its new National Security Adviser, a development being watched closely by Indian security agencies.

As the area continues to be volatile and security operations become more intense, the Pahalgam attack has again revealed the vulnerability of peace in Kashmir. With militants still on the loose and India-Pakistan relations under fresh pressure, the way to enduring stability seems more and more uncertain.