In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, security agencies are intensely examining recent encounters in the Shopian and Tral areas of Jammu and Kashmir for any potential connections to the deadly incident. While no direct breakthrough has been officially announced, sources suggest that the neutralization of key terrorists and the ongoing operations in these regions could yield crucial clues in unraveling the conspiracy behind the Pahalgam attack.
The Pahalgam attack, which involved five heavily armed terrorists targeting Hindu tourists in the Baisaran Valley, sent shockwaves across the nation and triggered a strong response from Indian security forces. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), initially claimed responsibility before later denying involvement, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation.
In the weeks following the attack, security forces have intensified counter-terrorism operations across the Kashmir Valley. The Shopian and Tral areas have emerged as significant focal points due to intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of active terrorist modules.
Operation Keller in Shopian Yields Key Suspects:
Earlier this week, a major breakthrough was achieved in Shopian district with “Operation Keller,” resulting in the killing of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Notably, two of the slain terrorists, Shahid Kuttay and Adnan Shafi Dar, were locals from Shopian whose family homes were reportedly demolished after the Pahalgam attack, indicating a potential link to the incident. Shahid Kuttay was identified as a top LeT commander involved in numerous terror-related activities. The recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition during this operation is also being meticulously analyzed. Â
Fresh Encounter in Tral Underway:
As of Thursday morning, a fresh encounter has erupted in the Nader area of Tral in Awantipora, with security forces engaging with a group of terrorists. While details are still emerging, this operation is significant as the Tral region has historically been a hotbed of militant activity. Security agencies are hopeful that this encounter could lead to the apprehension or neutralization of individuals involved in the broader terror network that orchestrated the Pahalgam attack.
Focus on Cross-Border Links and Local Facilitators:
The ongoing investigation into the Pahalgam attack is not solely focused on the individuals who directly carried out the killings. Security agencies are also working diligently to identify the masterminds based across the border and the local Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who provided logistical support and reconnaissance to the attackers.
Recent reports suggest that one of the key suspects identified in the Pahalgam attack, Hashim Musa, is a Pakistani national and a former para commando of the Pakistan Army’s Special Forces. This revelation has further strengthened India’s assertion of Pakistan’s involvement in fostering cross-border terrorism. The questioning of over 15 OGWs has reportedly provided crucial leads regarding the facilitation of the attackers.
Reward Announced for Information:
In a bid to expedite the investigation and gather more actionable intelligence, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have released photographs of three key suspects believed to be involved in the Pahalgam attack and announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for any information leading to their arrest. This move underscores the urgency and the high stakes involved in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Implications for Regional Security:
The Pahalgam terror attack has significantly heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. India has taken strong diplomatic and strategic countermeasures, including downgrading diplomatic relations and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. While a temporary ceasefire was established after a period of cross-border hostilities, the underlying tensions remain.
The successful conclusion of the Pahalgam attack investigation and the dismantling of the responsible terror network are crucial for ensuring the safety and security of the region and for preventing future such attacks. The encounters in Shopian and Tral are being viewed with intense scrutiny as potential pathways to achieving these objectives. Security forces remain on high alert and are committed to pursuing all leads to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre to justice.