J&K Pahalgam attack plotted by Pak-based terror hit squads for targeted killings: Sources

The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which left over 20 people feared dead, was part of a diabolical plan by Pakistan-based banned terror outfits to unleash small hit squads for targeted killings in the Valley, sources told India Today TV.

Tuesday's attack, which occurred before the Amarnath Yatra in July, was done to create panic among tourists and pilgrims, sources said, adding that outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) are using hit squads to carry out senseless killings to instill fear among tourists and devotees.

Officials have warned that the Falcon Squad — a relatively new hit team under The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of LeT — could emerge as a major security threat in the coming days. The squad is trained in carrying out swift targeted assassinations and then retreating into forested or mountainous terrain to evade capture.

Sources revealed that the Falcon Squad has recently acquired a substantial cache of advanced weaponry, which is now being used in attacks on security personnel and civilians. Intelligence agencies had issued a warning several months ago about possible strikes on security forces.

What has raised further concern is the group's growing recruitment network, allegedly operating through social media platforms to lure young cadres. The squad relies heavily on terrorists for logistics and support, following a “hit-and-run” operational pattern.

According to sources, LeT's top leadership is now believed to be directly issuing instructions for selective killings across the Kashmir Valley.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to formally take over the case soon. Senior



NIA officials from Delhi, who recently visited Sonamarg, are scheduled to travel to Pahalgam tomorrow to assess the situation and begin their investigation.

The terror attack - one of the worst in Jammu and Kashmir - took place around 2.30 pm on Tuesday when a group of terrorists, dressed in fatigues, opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow.

The Baisaran meadow is located around 5 kms from Pahalgam hill station and is accessible only by foot or ponies. Armed terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed 'mini Switzerland', and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking and taking in the sights, news agency PTI quoted officials as saying.

Security forces cordoned off the area soon after the attack and an anti-terrorist operation was launched even as Pahalgam town, which was teeming with tourists this morning, went into complete silence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Jeddah for an official visit, had a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the Pahalgam terror attack and asked him to take all suitable measures. He also asked Amit Shah to visit the site.

In a post on X, PM Modi vowed that the attackers won't be spared. "I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected," he said.

"Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger," he added.