Terror Strikes Baisaran: Probe Reveals Chilling Details of Targeted Killings
Investigations have revealed horrifying details of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. According to initial findings, two terrorists, who were seated behind a food stall, suddenly stood up around 2:30 pm and began questioning tourists about their religion before killing four people within minutes.
The terrorists, who wreaked havoc in Pahalgam, had conducted reconnaissance at Baisaran Valley during the first week of April. They were fully armed and had been waiting for the right moment to strike. Intelligence reports now confirm that on April 22, they executed their brutal plan, killing 26 civilians. It is also being suggested that the attack might have been intended for earlier, but adverse weather conditions forced a delay.
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Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
A week after the massacre, survivors have provided key testimony to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Eyewitnesses disclosed that two terrorists, who had been pretending to be customers near a food stall, suddenly rose and interrogated tourists at nearby shops about their faith. Moments later, they gunned down four individuals, targeting their heads with deadly precision.
Initially, it was suspected that the attackers had descended from the nearby hills and started shooting indiscriminately. However, the ongoing investigation suggests that the killings were highly selective. According to NIA officials, “Each victim was specifically targeted with a shot to the head.”
The carnage, lasting approximately 30 minutes, was marked by the terrorists ordering tourists to lower their pants and recite the ‘Kalima’—a religious declaration—to determine their faith before shooting them at point-blank range. The victims included mostly Hindu men, a local pony handler, and a Nepalese national.
Terrorists Chose the Perfect Day
Further intelligence inputs suggest that a recce of various hotels in Pahalgam was carried out two weeks before the attack. The NIA is interrogating locals to find out if anyone noticed unusual activities. CCTV footage from hotels is being examined as well.
Local sources suggest that bad weather might have postponed the terrorists’ plans. Heavy rainfall on April 20 and 21 led to a surge in tourist presence on April 22, as postponed plans resumed. Rauf Wani, a pony operator in the area, estimated that nearly 5,000 people were present at Baisaran on the day of the tragedy. Investigators are considering the possibility that the terrorists waited for maximum footfall before launching their planned attack.
Questioning of Zip-Line Operator Raises Suspicions
Authorities have also brought in a zip-line operator for questioning after a suspicious video surfaced. In the video, recorded by tourist Rishi Bhatt while zip lining, the operator is heard chanting ‘Allah Hu Akbar’ moments before gunfire erupted.
Bhatt, speaking to CNN-News18, recounted, “There were several people ahead of me on the zip line, but he uttered ‘Allah Hu Akbar’ only when it was my turn, then looked around quickly. Right after that, the firing started.”
While the operator had previously been questioned along with other locals, the NIA is now re-examining his possible connection to the attackers. Police officials emphasized, “We are not drawing any conclusions yet. Every angle is under investigation.”
Videographer Emerges as Key Witness
Adding a significant lead, a local videographer—who was filming reels for tourists—managed to capture the unfolding attack on camera. His footage is being closely analyzed by the NIA to identify the attackers and any overground workers (OGWs) who may have aided them.
The videographer’s testimony and videos could prove critical in uncovering the broader network behind the assault. The NIA continues to scrutinize all aspects of the attack, from the operational planning to possible local support systems.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam massacre, which sent shockwaves across the nation, appears to be the result of a meticulously planned terror operation rather than random violence. From careful reconnaissance and weapon preparation to the deliberate selection of victims, the terrorists’ actions reflect a chilling level of premeditation.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure all those involved, directly or indirectly, are brought to justice.
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