A key witness has told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that the terrorists who carried out the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam fired four shots into the air in celebration after killing 26 civilians in Baisaran Valley. The victims included mostly Hindu tourists, one Christian, and one local Muslim. This was one of the deadliest attacks in Kashmir in recent years.
The witness, called a “star witness” by investigators, was escaping the area when the gunmen stopped him. They asked him to recite the Kalma (a Muslim prayer). After hearing his local accent, they let him go and then fired shots into the air. Forensic teams later found four empty bullet casings, matching the witness’s story.
Security agencies said the three attackers were Pakistan-based terrorists linked to the group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)and its front, The Resistance Front (TRF). One of them was Sulaiman Shah, a former soldier from Pakistan’s special forces, also involved in another attack in 2024.
The NIA also arrested two locals, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad, for helping the attackers. They are accused of giving shelter, food, and holding the terrorists’ bags. They have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The brutality of the attack led to higher tension between India and Pakistan. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Experts say the firing in the air was meant to scare people and show power. It was not just a celebration—it showed no remorse.
This attack reminded many of the 2002 Amarnath Yatra attack, where 11 people were killed near Pahalgam. It highlights the ongoing danger to visitors in Kashmir.
The NIA is still investigating. The witness’s name has not been made public for safety. His full statement is expected to play an important role in the trial.
