GUWAHATI: Security agencies on Wednesday, April 23, released sketches of suspects believed to be involved in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The incident took place on Tuesday, claiming the lives of 26 individuals, most of whom were tourists.
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The attack occurred at Baisaran meadow, a well-known tourist destination near Pahalgam, often referred to as 'mini Switzerland'. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the strike. The attack has triggered nationwide condemnation and prompted swift responses from top political and security leadership.
According to reports, the suspects have been identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. They were also reported to use the code names Moosa, Yunus, and Asif, respectively. These individuals have previously been linked to terror-related activities in the Poonch region. The sketches released by security agencies were created with assistance from survivors of the attack, who provided crucial details for the investigation.
Authorities suspect that the attackers may have entered the Valley from Kishtwar in Jammu and reached Baisaran via Kokernag in South Kashmir. A large-scale manhunt is currently underway, with intelligence and counter-terror units working to trace the suspects and prevent any further attacks.
Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to Delhi on Tuesday evening. He held an immediate meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and other top officials upon arrival. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited the attack site and met with local security authorities to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump extended his sympathies to the victims' families and assured India of the United States' full support. Pakistan, in an official statement by Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Khan, expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
Security has been heightened across several regions, and the investigation remains active as officials continue to follow leads in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.