A terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, left 26 people dead, and 10 days later, the perpetrators are still on the run. According to sources from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the attackers are believed to be hiding in South Kashmir, particularly in the upper reaches of Anantnag, continuing to evade security forces. Despite extensive operations, these terrorists are still active and possess enough resources to sustain themselves in the thick forests of the region for an extended period.

Details of the Attack and Perpetrators

The attack, which occurred in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, was carried out by two Pakistani nationals, along with a resident of South Kashmir, and a fourth accomplice, who was hiding in the area to provide backup. The attackers had reportedly been present in Baisaran Valley a few days before the actual attack, scouting various locations for their strike. According to NIA sources, they had considered other potential targets such as Aru and Betaab valleys but ultimately chose Baisaran meadow, which is only accessible via pony ride or on foot, making it an ideal location for a covert operation.

The NIA investigation also revealed that the terrorists had been reccing the area for at least two days before the attack. The terrain in Baisaran Valley provided the necessary cover, with dense vegetation making it difficult for security forces to spot the attackers. This highlights the strategic thinking behind the attack, where the terrorists used their knowledge of the local geography to their advantage.

Terrorists Still Active in South Kashmir

The NIA further revealed that the attackers are still believed to be hiding in South Kashmir, particularly in the upper regions of Anantnag, where the terrain is rugged and challenging. The dense forest belt, stretching from Kathua in Jammu to South Kashmir, provides a natural barrier against security forces, with visibility dropping to less than 10 meters in certain areas due to the thick vegetation. The attackers have the necessary provisions, including food supplies, to stay hidden for a long time, making it difficult for authorities to track them down.

These terrorists are also believed to have military training in jungle warfare, which has given them the upper hand in this type of operation. The terrain of Kashmir, particularly its dense forests and rugged mountains, provides a natural cover for such guerrilla warfare tactics, making it a challenging environment for counter-terrorism operations.

Guerrilla Warfare and Terrorist Training

The NIA sources have pointed out that the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack have been trained in guerrilla warfare. Over the past four years, there has been an increasing trend of Pakistani terrorists entering Kashmir with advanced military training. These terrorists are equipped with US-made rifles, bulletproof jackets, and steel bullets, and they employ coordinated attacks on military and civilian targets. The sophistication of the weapons and the military-style operations strongly suggest that Pakistani army regulars or retired commissioned officers might be involved in these operations, further complicating the situation.

The NIA has observed that these terrorists are using advanced communication gear, which indicates that they are not just isolated militants but are part of a well-organized network that coordinates their operations. This suggests a highly structured and dangerous level of terrorism operating in the Kashmir Valley, which poses a serious security threat to the region.

Impact of Terrorist Activity on Kashmir's Security

The continuous terrorist activity in Kashmir is a reminder of the long-standing security challenges faced by the region. Despite extensive counter-terrorism measures, the attackers' ability to remain hidden and operate with such military precision underscores the complexity of dealing with modern-day guerrilla warfare. The terrain, coupled with the involvement of foreign-trained terrorists, makes it difficult for security forces to mount a successful operation.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working on tracking the movement of these terrorists, but the dense forest cover, along with their knowledge of the area, makes it a challenging pursuit. NIA sources continue to gather intelligence and have indicated that it is only a matter of time before the perpetrators are caught, but the operation is proving to be more complicated than initially anticipated.

Conclusion

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has once again highlighted the ongoing challenges of combating terrorism in Kashmir. The NIA investigation has revealed that the attackers are still active in South Kashmir, with the dense forests providing them with the cover they need to evade capture. These terrorists are well-trained in guerrilla warfare and are equipped with advanced weapons and communication gear, making them a significant threat to the region’s security. The investigation is ongoing, and security forces are working tirelessly to track down and neutralize these terrorists.

The people of Kashmir have endured over three decades of terrorist violence, and while counter-terrorism operations continue to evolve, the region remains a hotbed of militant activity, challenging authorities to find lasting solutions to ensure peace and security.

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