Terrorists behind Pahalgam massacre still hiding in south Kashmir; self reliant, say NIA sources

According to an India Today report, officials closely involved in the probe said there is credible intelligence pointing to the possibility that additional terrorists could be hiding in the area.

During the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran valley, investigators suspect that other terrorists may have stayed back at a distance, likely to offer cover fire had the security forces launched an immediate counteraction.

The attackers are said to be highly self-sufficient, reportedly carrying their own food and essential supplies, enabling them to survive for long stretches in the forest without needing external assistance.

Agencies investigating the incident have also recorded statements from both survivors and eyewitnesses, which lay bare the terrifying precision with which the operation was executed.

Tourists in the Baisaran meadow—popularly known as ‘mini Switzerland’—were trapped as the attackers blocked both the entry and exit gates.

According to sources, four terrorists carried out the attack. Two entered through the main gate, one guarded the exit, and a fourth was suspected to be concealed in the surrounding pine forest, ready to provide backup if needed.

Three of the assailants fired on the unsuspecting tourists, many of whom were picnicking, riding ponies, or buying snacks from local vendors.

Two of the gunmen wore military uniforms, while the third was dressed in a traditional Kashmiri pheran.

The first shots were reportedly fired near the exit gate, setting off a stampede.

As panicked tourists ran toward the entrance, they were ambushed by the two terrorists positioned there.

The terrorists separated women from men and Hindus from Muslims. When people resisted, the attackers asked them to recite the Kalma. Seconds later, they began firing indiscriminately.

One of the first victims was Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who had just stepped into the park via the entry gate.

The deadliest shooting occurred near the tea and bhelpuri stalls, where large groups of tourists had gathered.

After carrying out the attack, the militants reportedly escaped by jumping over a wall on the park’s left side.

Complicating efforts to track them down, investigators believe the assailants were using an ultra-secure communication device during the attack.

This system does not require a SIM card and enables encrypted, short-range messaging—making it far harder for law enforcement agencies to intercept or trace conversations in real time.

Further findings reveal that the group had conducted reconnaissance of three potential targets in the area on April 15, a week before the massacre.

One of the attackers had even scouted a nearby amusement park but eventually dropped it from their plan due to the heavy security presence there.