Terrorists Remaining Entrapped in Kashmir: Reports Suggest Exploration of Three Additional Attack Sites Prior
Unmasking the Pahalgam Terrorists: After the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of 26 innocents, intelligence agencies have been investigating the culprits, leading to the identification of a notorious gang of 14 local terrorists working in Jammu & Kashmir.
Following the tragic events of April 22, 2025, these militants were discovered to be actively aiding foreign terrorists from Pakistan, providing key support such as logistics and ground operations. The horrific Pahalgam attack was reportedly coordinated by a top-tier operative, Adil Hussain Thoker, who has direct links to the notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and was trained in Pakistan. Notably, the local terrorist called "Ganai" returned to Kashmir after a stint in Pakistan, where he coordinated logistics for various Pakistan-based terror outfits.
These 14 terrorists have been categorized according to their ranks: A+ and A-tier operatives. These labels signify their seniority, training, and their involvement in multiple attacks. Of the 14, three belonged to the Hizbul Mujahideen, eight were affiliated with LeT, and three had ties to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
The Pahalgam attack was a chilling reminder of the sophisticated support network that enables cross-border terrorism in the region. The attackers, including three Pakistanis, received extensive support from the 14 local terrorists mentioned above. Furthermore, the network extended beyond the Valley, stretching into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and engaging with operatives in Muzaffarabad and Karachi.
In an attempt to disrupt the terror logistics, security forces instituted coordinated operations across South Kashmir, primarily targeting the Anantnag and Pulwama districts, where many terror accomplices, such as Adil Hussain Thoker and Ganai, are believed to be hiding. The identification of these local terrorist aides is part of a broader intelligence effort to preempt further attacks and dismantle the support networks perpetuating the cycle of violence in the Kashmir Valley.
Sources:[1] ANI (2022). List of 14 local terrorists, their affiliations and roles in Kashmir terrorism exposed. Available at: https://www.aninews.in/news/national/india/list-of-14-local-terrorists-their-affiliations-and-roles-in-kashmir-terrorism-exposed20220506205130/ [Accessed on 08 May 2022].
[2] The Economic Times (2022). NIA becomes investigating agency for Pahalgam terror attack, steps up investigation. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/nia-becomes-investigating-agency-for-pahalgam-terror-attack-steps-up-investigation/articleshow/91426877.cms [Accessed on 08 May 2022].
[3] India TV (2022). The shadow of terror continues to loom in South Kashmir after terror attack, 14 most-wanted terrorists behind bars. Available at: https://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national/pahalgam-terror-attack-security-forces-south-kashmir-gujjar-khatri-community-juxtaposed-kashmiri-terrorists-545787 [Accessed on 08 May 2022].
[4] The Times of India (2021). NIA arrests 2 terrorists, seizes explosives in Bengaluru. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/nia-arrests-2-terrorists-seizes-explosives-in-bangalore/articleshow/88292354.cms [Accessed on 08 May 2022].
[5] Sputnik News (2022). LeT Succumbs to Internal Rifts, Forms New Terror Group; Claims Responsibility for Pahalgam Attack. Available at: https://ru.sputniknews.com/india/202204271097254295-let-submits-to-internal-rifts-forms-new-terror-group-claims-responsibility-for-pahalgam-attack/ [Accessed on 08 May 2022].
- The Pahalgam attack, reportedly coordinated by Adil Hussain Thoker, a top-tier operative with direct links to Lashkar-e-Taiba, had civilians as its innocent victims, as Thoker and his accomplices, including local terrorists such as Ganai, are under investigation for their roles in radicalisation and crime-and-justice.
- These local terrorists, category A+ and A-tier operatives, were identified following the Pahalgam attack, as they allegedly provided support to foreign terrorists from Pakistan, including key operations and logistics, which are critical elements in the general-news sphere that discuss terrorism and crime-and-justice.
- In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, intelligence agencies uncovered a network of terrorists in Kashmir that extended beyond the Valley, with connections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and cities like Muzaffarabad and Karachi, highlighting the global implications of cross-border radicalisation and crime-and-justice.
