In a chilling development that has sent shockwaves across the country, Saifullah Sajid Jutt, a top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been identified as the key planner and mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Jammu and Kashmir.

The attack, which targeted a group of around 40 tourists, claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including local residents and foreign nationals. This heinous act has once again highlighted the looming threat of cross-border terrorism and Pakistan-backed terror infrastructure.

Who Is Saifullah Sajid Jutt?

Saifullah Sajid Jutt, also known by the alias Saifullah Kasuri, hails from Shangamanga village in Punjab province of Pakistan. He is labelled a hardcore terrorist by India’s premier anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

• According to intelligence reports, Saifullah currently operates from Islamabad.

• He is deeply connected to top ISI officials and enjoys backing from elements in the Pakistan Army.

• His terror operations are often camouflaged under the garb of charitable work, making it difficult to detect and disrupt his network.

This dual identity strategy has allowed him to mobilize funds and manpower, avoiding early detection by international agencies. Intelligence dossiers on Jutt reveal a pattern of orchestrating high-casualty attacks on civilians and tourists, with the aim of destabilizing peace in the Kashmir region.

The Pahalgam Massacre: What Happened?

The Pahalgam attack took place in the scenic valley of Jammu and Kashmir—a place often seen as a symbol of peace and tourism. On Tuesday afternoon, armed terrorists opened fire indiscriminately on a group of around 40 tourists.

• 28 people lost their lives in the horrifying incident.

• Eyewitnesses reported rapid gunfire, panic, and chaos as people ran for cover.

• The attack has led to a massive exodus of tourists from the valley, fearing further violence.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and a massive manhunt is underway to trace any local operatives or sleeper cells that may have supported this assault.

Political Response to the Attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official trip to Saudi Arabia, immediately cut his trip short and returned to India to oversee the situation.

In a social media post, PM Modi said:

"I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected."

He further added:

"Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger."

Amit Shah Rushes to Srinagar

Union Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar the same day to hold a high-level security meeting. The meeting focused on:

• Strengthening intelligence networks

• Assessing security lapses

• Fast-tracking the deployment of counter-terror units

Officials from RAW, NIA, CRPF, and the Indian Army were part of the detailed discussion.

Nirmala Sitharaman Cuts Short Her Foreign Trip

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was on an official trip to the US and Peru, has also decided to return to India immediately. The gravity of the situation has pushed the entire government machinery into crisis response mode.

ISI Links and Global Pressure

The identification of Saifullah Sajid Jutt as the attacker has once again brought focus on Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. His close associations with the ISI and Pakistan Army raise troubling questions:

• Why is Pakistan allowing such individuals to operate freely?

• What role does the state machinery play in harbouring fugitives?

• Why are international watchdogs silent?

India is expected to raise the issue at global platforms, including the United Nations and G20 forums, demanding a collective clampdown on Pakistan-based terrorism.

Tourist Exodus and Economic Fallout

Post-attack, there has been a significant drop in tourist activity in the valley.

• Travel agencies are reporting mass cancellations.

• Locals dependent on tourism are facing an economic crisis.

• Security across tourist zones has been intensified, with drone surveillance and check posts being deployed.

The fear psychosis created by the attack is likely to impact Kashmir's fragile economy in the short term.

The Pattern of Targeting Civilians

This is not the first time terrorists have targeted civilians in Kashmir:

• Pulwama (2019): 40 CRPF personnel were martyred.

• Anantnag (2023): 12 civilians killed in a bus attack.

• Baramulla (2021): Market bombing killing 10 people.

These attacks reflect a deliberate strategy to instill fear and hinder normalcy in Kashmir.

India’s Tougher Stance on Terrorism

Following recent attacks, India has:

• Revoked diplomatic privileges for Pakistan-based envoys

• Increased counter-intelligence operations in border areas

• Strengthened cross-border surveillance with Israel-style drone tech

• Frozen assets of NGOs suspected of terror funding

The Government of India is also working on a legislative upgrade that will allow faster prosecution and life imprisonment for foreign terrorists.

Conclusion: A Nation United Against Terror

The Pahalgam terror attack may have aimed to fracture peace in the valley, but it has only strengthened the nation's resolve. The government, citizens, and armed forces have united in grief and determination.

The focus now lies on:

• Bringing Saifullah Sajid Jutt to justice

• Disrupting Lashkar-e-Taiba’s network

• Maintaining stability in Jammu and Kashmir

As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, it also vows to rise stronger, more vigilant, and more united than ever in the face of terrorism.

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