In a crucial development following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of at least 26 civilians, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday, April 23, released sketches of the three suspected terrorists believed to have carried out the brutal attack. The attackers opened indiscriminate fire on tourists at the picturesque Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in south Kashmir.

According to the police, the sketches were prepared based on eyewitness accounts and descriptions gathered from survivors and local residents. The three individuals identified by security officials are:

• Asif Fauji

• Suleman Shah

• Abu Talha

They are also known by their code names — Moosa, Yunus, and Asif, respectively — and are said to have previously been involved in terrorist activities in the Poonch district. These men are allegedly affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy organization linked to the proscribed terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).

Though the sketches have been made public, independent verification of their accuracy has not been confirmed. The police released a collage of the images, urging the public to come forward with any information that may aid in tracking these individuals.

Chilling Attack in Baisaran Meadow

On April 22, gunfire shattered the serenity of Pahalgam's Baisaran area, a meadow often likened to a mini-Switzerland by travelers. Eyewitnesses reported that two to three gunmen in military attire began firing indiscriminately, sending tourists and locals into a frenzy. The attack is being described as one of the most deadly incidents targeting civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.

Local officials initially confirmed at least 16 casualties, but reports from people familiar with the investigation stated the actual death toll stood at around 25–26, with dozens more injured. These details remain unofficial as the army and police continue search and combing operations to locate the attackers, who reportedly escaped into the surrounding forested terrain.

Lashkar-e-Toiba Link and Mastermind

Intelligence agencies believe the attack was planned by Saifullah Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Toiba commander, in collaboration with two Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)-based operatives. While these details are circulating within internal security channels, news agencies including Livemint have reported that this information is yet to be independently verified.

According to officials, the attack was designed not only to disrupt tourism in the Valley but also to provoke widespread fear and destabilize the region at a time when the Union Territory was witnessing a tourism revival.

PM Modi Cuts Saudi Visit Short

The severity of the incident has prompted a swift response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India and address the national security implications of the attack.

Upon landing, PM Modi held an urgent meeting at the airport with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, as reported by PTI. He later convened a high-level discussion of the Cabinet Committee on Security, which includes India’s top security and economic decision-makers — the Defence, Home, Foreign, and Finance Ministers.

The Prime Minister strongly condemned the act of terrorism and reassured the nation that "those responsible will be brought to justice." His response reflects the gravity of the situation and the government’s prioritization of national security.

Public Outrage and Nationwide Grief

The attack has stirred widespread outrage across the country, with citizens, political leaders, and civil society organizations demanding immediate and decisive action. The shocking nature of the attack, targeting unarmed tourists, including women and children, has led to a surge of public anger.

A particularly heartbreaking account that emerged from the incident involved a woman who reportedly pleaded with the terrorists to spare her husband, saying “Kill me too” — a quote that has since resonated deeply with many across India.

The J&K Police's release of sketches represents an essential step in identifying and eventually apprehending the culprits. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information that could assist in the ongoing manhunt.

Ongoing Search Operation and Security Measures

The Army and J&K Police, along with central security forces, have launched a massive cordon-and-search operation in the forested areas surrounding Pahalgam. Helicopters and sniffer dogs are being used to scour dense terrain, while drone surveillance continues to provide aerial support.

Security in other parts of Jammu & Kashmir has also been tightened in light of potential follow-up threats, especially with the tourist season picking up. Authorities are reviewing SOPs for tourist safety, and travel advisories are being issued to avoid unnecessary panic while ensuring alertness.

Conclusion

The release of the terrorists' sketches by Jammu & Kashmir Police marks a critical juncture in the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack. As India mourns the tragic loss of lives and gears up to bring the perpetrators to justice, the coordinated response from the Prime Minister’s Office, intelligence agencies, and local security forces underscores a unified national stand against terror.

With the identities of the attackers now public, the search intensifies, and the country watches closely, hoping for justice and a swift end to those responsible for this barbaric act. The sketches are a call to action, both for law enforcement and citizens, to ensure such atrocities do not go unanswered.

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