Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

India’s Home Minister has said that three suspected militants, who were recently killed in a security operation in Indian-administered Kashmir, were responsible for the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam. In that incident, 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, were killed when gunmen opened fire on a group near the Baisaran area close to Pahalgam.

According to the Home Minister, these three individuals were the main attackers involved in that massacre. The confirmation came after a joint operation by the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and local police, which led to the killing of the suspects on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Joint Operation in Dachigam Forests

The final encounter took place in the mountainous region of Dachigam, around 30 kilometers from Srinagar. Security agencies had been tracking the suspects for several weeks based on intelligence gathered from witness statements, forensic evidence, and electronic surveillance. These efforts led them to the suspects’ hideout in the dense forest.

The suspects were said to be heavily armed and prepared for a long fight. A fierce gun battle followed, during which all three were killed. Security personnel later recovered weapons from the site, including rifles that were reportedly used in the April attack.

Rifles Matched with April Attack Weapons

The Home Minister explained that the rifles found during the operation were carefully examined by forensic experts. They confirmed that the same weapons were used in the April shooting, where tourists were targeted. This helped investigators clearly establish a link between the suspects and the earlier massacre.

He told Parliament that witness accounts also supported the investigation. Several survivors of the April attack had seen the attackers up close and described their clothes, weapons, and language. These details helped security forces track down the group responsible.

Pakistan Accused of Involvement, Denies Charges

After the April attack, India had accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers. The Home Minister said all three suspects were Pakistani nationals and identified two of them as members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group based in Pakistan. The third militant’s identity is still being verified, but evidence suggests he was also from Pakistan.

Pakistan strongly denied India’s claims. They rejected any involvement in the attack and said they only support the peaceful self-determination of the Kashmiri people. However, tensions between the two countries quickly increased.

Four-Day Conflict Followed the Attack

Soon after the April killings, a four-day military conflict took place between India and Pakistan in May. It was one of the most intense skirmishes between the two countries in recent years. Over 70 people were killed on both sides, including soldiers and civilians. The situation raised fears of a larger war between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

India responded to the killings by increasing its security presence in the Kashmir Valley. Search operations were launched across multiple districts, with strict checking of vehicles, homes, and public places. Meanwhile, people in the region continued to live under tension and fear.

Immediate Action After the Attack

The Home Minister also revealed that a high-level security meeting was held soon after the April massacre. In that meeting, it was decided that the attackers should not be allowed to escape from Indian territory and return to Pakistan. Agencies were ordered to begin a focused manhunt.

He praised the efforts of the army, paramilitary forces, police, and intelligence agencies who worked together for weeks, tracking every clue until they found and killed the suspects. The operation was described as a “tight and successful action” that ensured the killers were brought to justice.

Survivors Share Horrifying Experience

Eyewitnesses and survivors of the April attack had earlier described the terrible scene at Baisaran. The attackers reportedly stopped a group of tourists and separated the men from the women and children. They ordered some of the men to recite the Muslim declaration of faith and opened fire when they refused or hesitated.

One of the victims was from Nepal, while the rest were Indian citizens. The killings shocked the entire country and led to protests and candle marches in many states. Families of the victims demanded justice and stronger security for tourists visiting Kashmir.

Role of TRF and Global Reactions

In the hours after the April attack, a group called The Resistance Front (TRF) had claimed responsibility for the killings. But after facing strong public criticism and condemnation, the group withdrew its claim. This led to further confusion and concern about who was really behind the attack.

Earlier this month, the United States officially declared TRF as a “foreign terrorist organisation.” This designation means the group will face international restrictions, and anyone supporting it financially or logistically can be punished under U.S. laws.

The global community expressed concern over rising violence in Kashmir and urged both India and Pakistan to avoid further conflict. Countries like the U.S., UK, and France asked for calm and peaceful talks between the two sides.

Kashmir: A Long-Held Dispute

Kashmir has been a source of conflict between India and Pakistan since 1947, when both countries gained independence from British rule. The region is divided into parts controlled by India and Pakistan, but both claim it in full. Since then, the two nations have fought two major wars and several smaller conflicts over the area.

Since 1989, several groups have been fighting against Indian rule in Kashmir. These groups demand either complete independence or Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan. India blames Pakistan for encouraging and supporting these groups with weapons, training, and money.

Pakistan denies these charges and says it only provides diplomatic support for what it calls a legitimate freedom struggle. The issue remains one of the most sensitive and dangerous in South Asia.

Government Promises Safety and Security

The Home Minister assured Parliament and the public that the Indian government is fully committed to the safety of its people, especially tourists visiting Kashmir. He said such attacks will not be tolerated and that strong action will be taken against anyone who harms civilians.

He also asked citizens to trust the country’s security forces and intelligence agencies, who are working day and night to protect the nation. The government, he said, will continue to make efforts to bring peace to the region while staying alert against threats.

The killing of the three suspects brings a sense of justice to the families of those lost in the Pahalgam attack. However, it also reminds everyone of the deep and ongoing troubles in Kashmir. The incident has not only brought pain but also exposed the fragile peace in the region.

It remains important for India and Pakistan to avoid conflict, work towards peace, and ensure the safety of innocent people living and visiting Kashmir. As people continue to hope for a peaceful future, the government says it will not rest until terrorism is wiped out from the land.