Pahalgam Attack: Security Agencies Release Sketches of Primary Suspects

Security agencies have released sketches of three primary suspects believed to be responsible for the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 28 lives and left over 20 people injured on April 22, 2025.

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Suspects Identified in Deadly Tourist Area Attack

Attack Details and Ongoing Investigation

Massive Manhunt Underway

Government Response and Security Measures

Impact on Regional Tourism

International Reaction

Suspects Identified in Deadly Tourist Area Attack

In a significant development, law enforcement officials have identified three key suspects in the Pahalgam attack through witness accounts and intelligence gathering. The suspects have been identified as:

Asif Fauji (operating under the code name Moosa)
Suleman Shah (operating under the code name Yunus)
Abu Talha (operating under the code name Asif)

According to official sources, the attackers are affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a known offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants wore a combination of camouflage and traditional kurta-pyjamas as they emerged from the pine forests near Baisaran meadow to carry out the assault.

These are the sketches of the terrorists involved in the terror attack in J&K’s Pahalgam, in which at least 26 tourists were killed.

The names of the 3 terrorists are Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah and Abu Talha.

Share these sketches everywhere. pic.twitter.com/6kPkDHGPmd

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) April 23, 2025

Attack Details and Ongoing Investigation

The April 22 attack, which targeted tourists in the popular vacation destination of Pahalgam, has been described as the deadliest incident in the region since the constitutional changes of 2019.

Security officials have revealed that the attackers used AK-47 rifles in the assault. Survivors provided harrowing accounts of the incident, stating that the attackers appeared to target specific individuals among the tourists.

Investigators now suspect the attackers received external support, citing evidence of military-grade weapons and sophisticated communication tools recovered from the scene. A senior intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The precision and planning of this attack suggest professional training and external backing.”

Massive Manhunt Underway

In response to the attack, security forces have launched an extensive search operation using both helicopters and ground forces to comb the dense forests surrounding the attack site.

Intelligence agencies have identified **Saifullah Kasuri**, a known LeT operative, as the potential mastermind behind the attack. Border security has also been heightened after forces reportedly foiled an infiltration attempt in Uri hours after the Pahalgam incident.

Government Response and Security Measures

The attack has prompted a high-level response from the central government. Home Minister Amit Shah has visited the site to assess the situation firsthand and meet with security officials. Prime Minister Modi chaired an emergency cabinet security meeting to review the situation and coordinate response efforts.

Local authorities have increased security presence at tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir, with additional checkpoints established on major routes. Tourism officials are working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of visitors who remain in the region.

Impact on Regional Tourism

The attack comes during what is traditionally the beginning of the peak tourist season in Kashmir. Local tourism operators express concern about the potential impact on visitor numbers in the coming months.

“We were just seeing tourism recover after several difficult years,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a local hotel owner in Pahalgam. “This tragic incident will certainly affect people’s perception of safety in our region.”

Security experts note that tourist destinations have increasingly become targets for extremist groups looking to gain maximum attention and disrupt the region’s economy.

International Reaction

With reports indicating that foreign nationals were among the victims, several countries have issued updated travel advisories for the region. Diplomatic missions are working with Indian authorities to provide assistance to affected citizens.

As the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security personnel.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.