Pahalgam attack: Militants had body cameras, separated tourists, and then opened fire on them

An initial inquiry into the fatal terror assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, indicated that it was carefully orchestrated to ensnare victims and increase casualties, senior sources disclosed on Wednesday.

The assault, resulting in 26 fatalities, primarily among tourists, took place on Tuesday in the picturesque Baisaran meadows, representing one of the most severe attacks on civilians in the Valley in recent times. Reports suggest that the assault on tourists involved both Pakistani and native Kashmiri militants. The militants — thought to be six in total — received assistance from local accomplices, who performed extensive reconnaissance of the region prior to executing the attack.

Authorities suspect that the terrorists deliberately selected Baisaran for the assault because the region has a minimal security presence. The isolated site, approximately 6.5 kilometers from Pahalgam and reachable solely by walking or pony ride along a dirt path, also indicated that rescue operations would be postponed, thus heightening the risk of fatalities.

In a shocking discovery, the investigation revealed that the terrorists utilized body cameras, particularly helmet-mounted ones, to document the complete chain of events.

As reported by sources, three terrorists assembled the tourists, divided them into male and female categories, and verified their identities prior to starting to shoot. As three to four militants opened fire indiscriminately with AK-47 rifles at close range, others were targeted from afar, resembling sniper shooting. Numerous individuals perished from severe blood loss before assistance could reach them.

Before the assault, the terrorists created safe havens in the thickly wooded region, as reported by sources. Officials suspect that the assailants might have relocated with help from local militants and sleeper agents. In its investigation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has started documenting testimonies and gathering forensic evidence, such as bullet casings and soil samples from the massacre site.

In the meantime, authorities are requesting information from telecommunications firms regarding active mobile numbers in the vicinity. A number of people close to Baisaran have been collected for interrogation.

The remains of the victims have been moved to Srinagar, where a ceremony for laying wreaths is set to occur later today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with senior officials from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and civil administration are likely to attend.