More than a week after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, there are strong indications that the terrorists involved remain active and hidden in south Kashmir, National Investigation Agency (NIA) sources claimed.
Sources closely tracking the investigation said there is credible input suggesting that more terrorists may still be hiding in the region. They added that during the attack on April 22 in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley, there were suspicions of additional terrorists maintaining a distance, possibly to provide cover-fire in case security forces attempted a rapid response.
The attackers are reportedly highly self-reliant, carrying food supplies and other essential provisions with them, allowing them to operate for extended periods in the forested terrain without requiring external logistical support.
Investigative agencies have also recorded statements from survivors and eyewitnesses, revealing the horrifying precision with which the attack was carried out.
Tourists in the Baisaran meadow - often referred to as 'mini Switzerland' - were trapped, with both the entry and exit gates blocked by the attackers.
According to sources, the attack was executed by four terrorists: two entered through the main gate, one was posted at the exit, and a fourth is suspected to have been hiding in the surrounding pine forest to provide backup.
Three of the terrorists opened fire on the unsuspecting crowd, targeting tourists who were picnicking, riding ponies, or enjoying snacks at food stalls. Two of the attackers were dressed in military fatigues, while a third wore a traditional Kashmiri pheran. The first shots rang out near the exit gate, triggering panic. As tourists rushed toward the entrance, they were ambushed by the two men already stationed there.
The highest number of casualties occurred near the tea and bhelpuri stalls, where many tourists had gathered. After the carnage, the terrorists reportedly fled the area by jumping over a wall on the left side of the park.
Adding to the challenge for security forces, sources said the terrorists were using an ultra-secure communication system during the assault-one that does not require a SIM card and allows for short-range encrypted messaging. This technology makes real-time interception and tracking far more difficult for law enforcement agencies.
Further investigation has revealed that the terrorists had conducted reconnaissance of three locations in the area on April 15, just a week before the attack. One of the suspects had even surveyed a local amusement park but abandoned plans to target it due to tight security.