The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for credible information leading to the arrest of three key Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists—two Pakistani nationals and one local—suspected to be behind the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead.
In an official statement, the Anantnag Police named the wanted individuals as Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa. “Anantnag Police announces a reward of ₹20 lakhs on information leading to the arrest of Pakistan nationals and LeT terrorists… involved in the attack on tourists in Baisaran, Pahalgam,” the statement read.
The brutal massacre took place in the serene Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, where heavily armed terrorists opened fire on unarmed civilians, killing 26 people. It has been described as one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley in recent years.
In the wake of the attack, security forces have launched a large-scale, tech-assisted counter-terrorism operation in Pahalgam. The mission includes the use of drones, helicopters, electronic surveillance equipment, and sniffer dogs to track down and neutralize the perpetrators. Officials confirmed that the forces have been given explicit orders to eliminate the attackers involved in the massacre.
In addition to the Pahalgam operation, at least three other anti-terror operations are currently ongoing across Jammu and Kashmir. These include encounters in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur—where a soldier lost his life—along with operations in Poonch and Kulgam districts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Pahalgam attack site on Wednesday in a high-profile show of solidarity and to issue a stern warning to the attackers and their handlers. His visit was seen as part of a broader effort to reassure the public and assert the government’s uncompromising stance on terrorism.
India has taken several retaliatory measures in response to the terror strike. Among the most significant is the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark water-sharing agreement signed with Pakistan in 1960. The Attari border crossing has also been closed indefinitely, and Pakistani nationals in India have been asked to leave the country within 48 hours.
Further, India has scaled down its diplomatic presence in Pakistan, reducing its High Commission staff by 30 percent. Pakistan’s military attaché in New Delhi has been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave.
(With IANS inputs)
