Jammu and Kashmir: Sketches of three suspected terrorists who attacked tourists in Pahalgam released

The three terrorists have been identified as Asif Fuji, Suleman Shah and Abu Talha, reported India Today.

They are believed to be members of The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Pakistan-based banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The group included Pakistani terrorists who infiltrated the Valley just days before the attack, intelligence sources told India Today.

Saifullah Kasuri

Intelligence agencies have identified Saifullah Kasuri, alias Khalid, a top LeT commander, as the mastermind of the massacre.

The Indian Army has launched a massive anti-terror operation to nab those behind the attack.

Eyewitnesses told the Indian news channel that while two terrorists spoke in Pashto (indicating Pakistani origin), two of them were locals (Adil and Asif). The local terrorists are from Bijbhera and Tral.

The attack on tourists, making one of the worst terror attacks in the Valley in recent years, has drawn worldwide condemnation.

Shutdown in Kashmir

Meanwhile, Kashmir is observing a complete shutdown on Wednesday to protest against the attack.

The shutdown was called by Hurriyat leader and head of Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in protest against the gruesome killings, reported UNI news agency.

Prominent trade bodies, transport associations, and civil society groups have also supported the strike.

Mainstream political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), have extended their support to the shutdown.

Amit Shah In Kashmir

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in Kashmir taking stock of the situation and visited the scene of the carnage, wrote on X: "With a heavy heart, paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared."

Pahalgam Massacre

In one of the worst terror strikes that targeted tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam amid the ongoing visit of US Vice-President JD Vance to India, gunmen killed at least 28 people and wounded many others after identifying them as non-Muslims on Tuesday, triggering a nationwide outrage.

Gunshots were heard in the upper meadows of Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley around 2:30 PM, which is accessible only on foot or on horseback.

The terrorists were apparently in camouflage, and it is believed to be a targeted attack.

The attackers reportedly asked about the religious identities of the victims before opening fire on them. The tourists were horse riding in the area when the attack occurred.

Pahalgam, one of the top tourist spots, attracts a large number of visitors every year.