The search for the terrorists responsible for the heinous attack in Pahalgam continues to intensify as security forces navigate the challenging terrain of South Kashmir. Despite ten days passing since the launch of the mega search operation, the perpetrators remain at large, utilizing the rugged mountains and dense forests to evade capture.
The area surrounding Pahalgam is characterized by towering peaks, with the tallest mountain near the town rising nearly half the height of Mount Everest. The Baisaran Meadow, southeast of Pahalgam, is accessible only by a winding trek through streams, dense forests, and muddy stretches. The region’s formidable terrain, marked by steep mountain ridges and dense forests to the east, provides ample hiding spots for the terrorists.
Security forces have been conducting a massive search and cordon operation in these treacherous stretches, with the terrorists believed to be taking advantage of the region’s topography to evade capture. The harsh weather conditions in the mountainous forests, with temperatures dropping sharply at night, add to the challenges faced by the security forces.
The Kishtwar range, which connects to the higher reaches of Pahalgam, has seen low snowfall this season, exposing large stretches of rugged terrain and providing potential escape routes for the terrorists towards the Jammu side. However, sources indicate that the perpetrators are likely still in South Kashmir, utilizing the dense forests and rugged terrain to their advantage.
The terrorists, believed to be highly-trained and battle-hardened, have been identified as including Hashim Musa, a former Pakistani para commando linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. Intelligence inputs suggest that the attack was meticulously planned, with the group infiltrating the region through the Samba-Kathua corridor over two months ago.
The search operation continues to intensify as security forces navigate the challenging terrain and dense forests of South Kashmir in pursuit of the terrorists responsible for the tragic attack in Pahalgam.
