SRINAGAR — Security agencies on Wednesday released sketches of three suspected militants believed to be behind the deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which claimed 28 lives, including 27 tourists and one local resident.
Top officials privy to the investigation revealed that at least one of the attackers may be a local. Initial findings suggest that three-four militants were involved in the deadly attack.
They said the sketches were prepared based on accounts from survivors and witnesses who were present in the Baisaran meadow at the time of the attack. Investigators believe the attackers, clad in camouflage uniforms, may have had local assistance in conducting reconnaissance of the area before carrying out the strike.
The sources said that it appears that the attackers crossed over from Kishtwar and reached Baisaran via Kokernag with the help of a local militant or a handler.
Police have also questioned many locals in the area, but no formal arrest has been made in the case so far.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Sources said cartridges recovered from the site indicate that the militants were armed with assault rifles and at least one American-made M4 carbine.
While the Jammu and Kashmir Police are currently leading the investigation, officials said the case is likely to be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). A team from the NIA visited the attack site in Anantnag district on Wednesday to assess the situation and collect preliminary evidence.
Meanwhile, a massive combing operation continued on Wednesday in the dense forested stretches of the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, where the attack took place. Joint teams of the Army, police, CRPF, and elite Para commandos are searching the area in search of the militants involved.
