Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are on high alert following intelligence inputs warning of possible terror attacks targeting non-local residents, railway infrastructure, and Kashmiri Pandits. The alert comes in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, which left 26 people—primarily tourists—dead. Multiple intelligence alerts were issued from the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB), Northern Railway Headquarters in New Delhi, which indicate that terrorist groups are planning targeted attacks, particularly in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.
A high-ranking Railway Protection Force (RPF) official noted in an internal communication, “The ISI is planning to execute targeted attacks on Non-Local individuals, Police Personnel (CID), and Kashmiri Pandits, particularly in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.”
The input further revealed that on the evening of 21 April, a local terrorist identified as Hasher Parray alias Hamza from Bandipora district was seen moving along the railway tracks from Village Kreeri towards Pattan, Baramulla district, accompanied by an Over Ground Worker (OGW). Both were reportedly armed and may attempt standoff attacks on security forces or initiate other terror-related incidents.
“Reliable inputs from credible sources and sister intelligence agencies suggest that militant organisations are actively planning attacks targeting security forces and non-local individuals in the upcoming days,” the RPF communication stated.
The warning also highlighted that militants are active across North, Central, and South Kashmir, with railway infrastructure considered particularly vulnerable due to the large number of non-local staff working in the Valley. The advisory stressed that railway security personnel must avoid unnecessary movement outside their camps and barracks as such behaviour increases their exposure to threats.
“Railway Security Personnel’s frequent movement into local areas and markets increases their vulnerability and could attract undue attention from anti-social elements. This must be curtailed with immediate effect,” the advisory added.
NIA Teams Meet Pahalgam Attack Survivors Amid Counter-Terror Operation
Meanwhile, a massive counter-terror operation is underway in the Pir Panjal range near Pahalgam, involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces. Special teams of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have started reaching out to eyewitnesses and survivors of the Pahalgam terror attack. Though the NIA is yet to officially take over the probe, officials said its teams began interviewing survivors on Tuesday.
The initial probe indicates that five to seven terrorists, including two locals trained in Pakistan, were involved in the attack. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terror outfit, is suspected to be behind the killings.
Security forces recently eliminated top LeT commander Altaf Lalli in Bandipora district. A hideout was also busted in Kulgam, and several suspects have been detained. Officials said two prime suspects, Aadil Thokar alias Aadil Guree of Bijbehara and Asif Sheikh of Tral, have emerged as key figures in the attack’s conspiracy. Thokar reportedly received arms training in Pakistan in 2018.
Explosives were found at the homes of both Thokar and Sheikh, which were later destroyed during a security operation, officials said. Family members of the accused claimed ignorance about their whereabouts.
The house of LeT terrorist Haris Ahmad, active since 2023, was destroyed in a blast in the Kachipora area of Pulwama.
Eyewitness accounts in terrorist attack case suggest four terrorists lined up tourists at the Baisaran meadow before shooting them at point-blank range. At least one to three terrorists were on lookout duty, while others wore body cameras to record the attack. Thokar has been identified as the primary shooter.
Sketches of three Pakistani suspects—Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah and Abu Talha—have been released. They reportedly operated under code names Moosa, Yunus, and Asif, and were involved in past terror incidents in Poonch. Police have announced a reward of ₹20 lakh each for information leading to their neutralisation.
Security forces continue extensive operations using drones, UAVs, and sniffer dogs to track the fleeing terrorists. There has been no contact so far.
Officials have also warned that Pakistan’s spy agency ISI may be planning targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits and police personnel in Srinagar and Ganderbal.
With heightened security measures in place, all railway staff and security agencies have been advised to remain vigilant. Authorities are coordinating closely with local police, the Government Railway Police (GRP), and central intelligence agencies to prevent any further incidents.
(With PTI Inputs)
