In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday released sketches of three suspected attackers. Two of them have been identified as Pakistani nationals, and a reward of Rs 20 lakh has been announced for any credible information leading to their capture.
As per official notices issued by Anantnag Police, the suspects are: Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, both Pakistani citizens, and Abdul Hussain Thokar, a local resident of Anantnag district. All three are suspected members of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The attack occurred on Tuesday at Baisaran, a popular tourist destination near Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepali national. Authorities describe it as one of the most devastating civilian-targeted assaults in the region in recent years.
In his first public statement following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India’s resolve will not falter. Terrorism will not go unpunished.”
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Modi, convened an emergency session and outlined five firm countermeasures targeting Pakistan.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealed that both nations will reduce diplomatic staff from 55 to 30 by May 1. India has declared Pakistan’s military, naval, and air advisors as persona non grata, requiring them to leave within a week, and will withdraw its own advisors from Islamabad in parallel.
Furthermore, the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme has been revoked for Pakistani nationals. All existing visas under this scheme are cancelled, and holders must exit India within 48 hours. The Attari land border crossing has been sealed, and Pakistanis who entered with valid permits must return before May 1.
