Pahalgam: Intelligence agencies have identified Saifullah Kasuri, alias Khalid, a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander based in Gujranwala, Pakistan, as the chief architect of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that left 28 dead, including two foreign nationals.
The ambush, executed at Baisaran meadow around 2:30 PM on Tuesday, involved militants from The Resistance Front (TRF), LeT’s proxy group. Khalid, known for criticizing Pakistan’s softened Kashmir stance post-Article 370 revocation, is believed to have orchestrated the strike in response.
Sources reveal that two other operatives from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir also played key roles in planning the attack. Intelligence suggests 5–6 terrorists were involved, some of whom infiltrated recently across the LoC.
Security agencies have released sketches of three suspects—Asif Fauji (Moosa), Suleman Shah (Yunus), and Abu Talha (Asif)—who are believed to have executed the assault.
Nationwide outrage and mourning continue as survivors recount chilling scenes of indiscriminate gunfire on unarmed tourists. A sweeping security operation combining aerial surveillance and ground forces is underway in the region.
The NIA has joined the investigation, with a senior team now stationed in Pahalgam.
Meanwhile, the J&K administration has announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the critically injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
