(Image source from: Economictimes.indiatimes.com)

Seven individuals, believed to be terrorists, with approximately four to five originating from Pakistan, are reported to have opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran valley meadow located in Pahalgam on Tuesday, according to information gathered. Sources reveal that eyewitness testimonies and intelligence assessments indicate that at least two of the assailants may be local militants. Their specific identities have not yet been conclusively determined. An officer from the security sector mentioned, "The Urdu spoken by these foreign terrorists is characteristic of certain regions in Pakistan... We suspect that at least two local militants are accompanying them, though we do not currently know their exact region of origin within Kashmir."

Authorities have issued sketches of at least three of the assailants and have offered a reward of Rs 20 lakh for any information leading to their capture. It is believed that all attackers have retreated into the mountainous areas of the Pir Panjal range, prompting ongoing search efforts from the Army, central paramilitary forces, and J&K police. The assailants are thought to have been equipped with body cameras, as an officer from the J&K police noted, "This has become common practice in recent times. Over the past three years, all incidents in Jammu have been captured on body or gun-mounted cameras. The footage is typically utilized for propaganda. The Lashkar-e-Taiba has already produced propaganda content utilizing such videos."

In related developments, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a visit to the Baisaran meadow to assess the circumstances surrounding the attack. He is currently conducting security review meetings with senior officials from the police, the Intelligence Bureau, and the Army in Srinagar. Additionally, he met with the victims of the incident on Wednesday. The methods by which the attackers infiltrated Kashmir and the duration of their stay in the Valley remain unclear. "We are still verifying these details. There are some indications related to vulnerabilities along the border and certain inputs received, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Agencies are examining the situation thoroughly, and efforts are being made to check the border for any signs of infiltration," an officer stated.