Pahalgam Terror Attack: Photographer’s Video and Army Officer’s Testimony Provide Crucial Clues
A Shocking Attack
The Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, on April 22nd, is being meticulously investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). A local photographer perched atop a tree captured the entire horrific incident on video, providing a valuable timeline of events and helping investigators identify the perpetrators.
Army Officer’s Insightful Account
Adding another important piece to the puzzle is the testimony of a Lieutenant Colonel from the Indian Army. While on vacation with his family, he witnessed the attack and provided investigators with detailed insights about what transpired. Despite the trauma, the officer’s military training and awareness allowed him to recall crucial details that are proving vital to the investigation.
Reconstruction of the Attack
Based on eyewitness accounts and the video evidence, the NIA has pieced together the horrifying sequence of events. Two terrorists initially concealed themselves near a cluster of shops, demanding that the gathered crowd recite the Kalma before opening fire, killing four people with targeted headshots. This sparked widespread panic, and the terrorists unleashed indiscriminate fire on fleeing civilians, aiming for vital organs.
Two more terrorists then emerged from the zip line area, adding to the chaos and carnage.
Responding to the Terror
The first call to the police came at around 2:30 pm from Himanshi Narwal, the wife of a naval officer who was tragically killed. She remained by her husband’s side until the arrival of the police and CRPF teams. The first responder on the scene, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Pahalgam, was met with a scene of unimaginable violence. By then, the attackers had vanished into a nearby wooded area.
The Investigation Continues
Forensic analysis has confirmed that the terrorists used AK-47 and M4 assault rifles. Cartridge shells found at the scene provide concrete evidence. The NIA has identified four terrorists involved in the attack, including one local named Adil Thokar.
Thokar, a 31-year-old from Anantnag, was radicalized in 2018 and joined the Hizbul Mujahideen. He later travelled to Pakistan, received training with the Lashkar-e-Taiba, and returned to Kashmir in 2024, providing logistical support to Pakistani terrorists.
Authorities are actively pursuing leads and examining numerous tips received in response to a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to the capture of the terrorists. The investigation is ongoing, and the NIA is determined to bring all those responsible for this horrific attack to justice.
