Pahalgam attack: Terrorists’ sketches released; grounded advanced light helicopters activated

Extensive search and combing operations continued on Wednesday in the forest area of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, with authorities releasing sketches of at least three terrorists involved in the attack on tourists at the popular spot.

The armed forces have started a massive operation in the forest area pushing in helicopters, drones, trained canines and a battery of technical experts to trace the attackers who have most likely fled back into the mountain range. Sources said special forces have been moved to the area and the anti-infiltration grid is on a high alert. “It seems they have a hideout around Tulian lake in the mountains which further extend to the Kishtwar region of Jammu division where several groups of foreign infiltrators are active,” said a senior official.

Given the severity of the situation, the Army even resumed flying its grounded advanced light helicopter (ALH) fleet to ferry troops and supplies to the search area. The fleet had been grounded due to technical reasons and resumption of services is a sign of emergency operational necessities.

Official sources said that 28 people, including a local, were killed and 13 others injured in the terror attack. A senior police official said that the total number of attackers is likely around five, including four foreign infiltrators and one local.

Sleuths from the National Investigation Agency and forensic experts also visited the spot to examine the scene and collect evidence, including empty bullet shells.

As the area is accessible only by foot with no motorable road, the rescue operation was arduous and it took some time for locals and armed forces to reach the spot. “I heard about the incident around 2:10 pm and I trekked through a steep shortcut to reach the Valley. On the way I saw tourists, ponywallahs and horses rushing down the mountain and shouting for help,” Rayees Ahmad, one of the first persons to reach the spot, told ET.”My heart stopped beating for a moment when I saw bodies lying all around the meadow. I rescued four injured on ponies and cots lying around,” he said. “After me, a team of police reached, followed by CRPF. Later when the Army came, the whole area was cordoned and we were not allowed to go further in the Valley,” he said.J&K CM Omar Abdullah, who participated in the funeral of Adil Hussain Shah, hailed his courage for fighting the attackers. Shah, a ponywallah, is the only local killed in the attack.