New Delhi: On April 22, a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley left 26 civilians dead, with intelligence inputs later revealing that the assailants had conducted reconnaissance in the area weeks earlier. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has since launched a probe into what appears to be a meticulously planned act of terror, delayed by bad weather and executed at a time of peak tourist footfall.
Eyewitnesses told investigators that the attack began around 2:30 PM when two terrorists, seated behind a food stall, stood up and began questioning tourists about their religion before shooting four of them in the head. Contrary to initial suspicions of random firing, NIA officials confirmed that the shooters had taken deliberate aim, targeting victims with precision. Panic ensued as two additional attackers emerged from the vicinity of the zip-line area and opened fire on the fleeing crowd.
Investigators believe the terrorists had originally planned to strike earlier but were held back by rain on April 20 and 21. As per local accounts, April 22 saw nearly 5,000 people in Baisaran, both locals and tourists, due to a break in the weather, making it a strategically chosen day for the attack.
Surveillance and reconnaissance were carried out in early April, with intelligence sources suggesting that Pahalgam hotels were also examined. The NIA is questioning locals and reviewing CCTV footage from the area for any suspicious activity.
Attention has also turned to a zip-line operator who appeared in a video recorded moments before the attack. In the clip, he is heard saying “Allah Hu Akbar” just before pushing a tourist off the platform. Rishi Bhatt, who filmed the video while zip-lining, said the operator’s behavior was odd, noting that he turned his head left and right immediately before the gunfire began. While the operator had been questioned earlier, officials emphasize that they are not making any conclusions yet and are considering all angles, including the possibility of him being an overground worker aiding the terrorists.
Another key witness in the case is a local videographer who had been shooting tourist reels at the time of the attack. He reportedly captured the entire incident on camera. The NIA is analysing his footage to identify the attackers and potential local collaborators.
The investigation is ongoing, with the NIA pursuing multiple leads to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years in the Kashmir Valley.
