Police Announce Rs 20 Lakh Cash Reward for Leads
Two Terrorists Killed Along LOC in Uri; Gunfight Ongoing in Kulgam
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, April 23: With Jammu and Kashmir on high alert following the Pulwama massacre, security forces on Wednesday released sketches of three men suspected to be involved in the terror attack that killed 28 tourists at a health resort in Pahalgam on Tuesday.
An official told Kashmir Despatch that the three suspects have been identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha.
The official added that the terrorists also operated under code names—Moosa, Yunus, and Asif—and were involved in terror-related incidents in Poonch. The sketches were prepared with the help of survivors.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack on Tuesday afternoon.
Police have announced a Rs 20 lakh cash reward for any information leading to the neutralization of the terrorists.
An order issued by Anantnag Police, a copy of which is with Kashmir Despatch, states: “Any information leading to the neutralization of the terrorists involved in this cowardly attack shall be rewarded.”
The police assured that the informant’s identity would be kept strictly confidential and provided contact numbers: **9596777666 (SSP Anantnag)** and **9596777669 (PCR Anantnag)**.
Infiltration Attempt Foiled in Uri; Two Terrorists Killed
Earlier in the day, amid heightened security along the borders, the Army foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Baramulla district during the early hours of Wednesday, neutralizing two terrorists in a swift encounter.
Later, at a press conference, Brigadier Mayank Shukla, Colonel S.R. Pati, and SP OPS Baramulla Ferroz Yahya briefed the media.
“At approximately 0100 hrs, alert troops deployed along the LoC detected suspicious movement of unidentified individuals attempting to infiltrate into Indian territory,” Brigadier Shukla said. “The infiltrators were immediately challenged and engaged, leading to a heavy exchange of fire.”
The officers confirmed that two terrorists were killed in the encounter.
“From the encounter site, we have recovered two AK-series rifles, a Chinese pistol, 10 kg of IED, and other war-like stores,”Colonel Pati stated.
SP OPS Baramulla Ferroz Yahya emphasized that the operation’s success reflects the high alertness and operational readiness of the security forces.
“The operation is still ongoing, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure the security of the region,” he added.
Anti-Militancy Operation Underway in Kulgam
Meanwhile, security forces engaged in another anti-militancy operation in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, which was still underway at the time of reporting.
Official sources told Kashmir Despatch that a joint team of police and Army launched a cordon-and-search operation in Tangmarg.
As the forces approached the suspected location, hiding militants opened fire, triggering a gunfight.
Security forces detained over 250 individuals from South Kashmir for questioning following the terror attack that claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam.
An official said that more than 1,500 overground workers (OGWs) and individuals with prior involvement in terror activities—or FIRs registered against them—have been detained across the Kashmir Valley since the attack.
Meanwhile, Intelligence assessments indicate the presence of 42 terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC), housing approximately 110 to 130 militants.
Of these, 10 launchpads are located opposite sectors in Kashmir, while 32 are opposite the SPPR region.
In a separate operation, police arrested two terror associates in Bandipora, recovering arms and ammunition the officer added.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: India Acts Tough Against Pakistan, Cancels Visas, Suspends Water Treaty
In a sharp response to the terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, India announced a series of severe measures against Pakistan on Wednesday and decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of the waters of the Indus River.
The development followed a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Cabinet Committee on Security, in light of the deadly attack that resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. This attack is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.
At a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that Pakistani nationals would no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). “Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed canceled. Additionally, any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave the country,” he stated.
The terror attack occurred at Baisaran, an area often referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’ due to its beautiful meadows, which is accessible only on foot or by pony. A group of tourists was visiting the area on Tuesday morning when the attack took place. The Resistance Front, a shadow group associated with the banned Pakistan-based terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for this assault. Security agencies have since released sketches of three men suspected of being involved in the attack.
Officials have made the following helpline numbers available for assistance: Emergency Control Room – Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651; 7006058623; 24/7 Tourist Help Desk – Police Control Room, Anantnag: 9596777669, 01932-225870, WhatsApp: 9419051940; Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Department: 8899931010, 8899941010, 9906663868, 9906906115.
Five Steps India Took Against Pakistan, Day After Pahalgam Terror Attack:
1. Indus Waters Treaty kept in abeyance.
2. No SAARC visas for Pakistani nationals.
3. Atari border with Pakistan to be shut.
4. India to withdraw staff from its high commission in Pakistan.
5. Cancellation of current visas for Pakistani nationals, with the requirement that they leave India within 48 hours.
In further detail, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, as reported by Kashmir Despatch, stated, “Recognizing the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided upon several measures. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”
He added that the integrated checkpost at Attari would be closed immediately. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025.
Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Any SVES visas that were issued in the past to Pakistani.
