Fresh and harrowing details have emerged from survivor and eyewitness testimonies of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, revealing how the massacre at the picturesque Baisaran Valley unfolded with chilling precision and left tourists trapped without any route of escape. According to sources within the investigating agencies, the attackers strategically blocked both the entry and exit points of the meadow, eliminating any chance of survival for many who had gathered there for a peaceful outing. This calculated move by the terrorists, reportedly of Pakistani origin, ensured maximum casualties and chaos.
As per preliminary findings, the attack was carried out by four terrorists. Two entered the park through the main entry gate, a third positioned himself at the exit gate, while a possible fourth accomplice is believed to have been stationed within the surrounding forested area, likely serving as backup or lookout. Among them, three are said to have opened fire at the unsuspecting crowd, which included numerous families picnicking and enjoying food in the scenic Baisaran meadow, often called “mini Switzerland” due to its alpine landscape and popularity among tourists.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the first gunshots were heard near the exit gate, triggering widespread panic. As tourists tried to flee back toward the entrance, they found themselves ambushed by the two militants stationed there. According to sources, two of the attackers wore military fatigues, while the third was in a traditional Kashmiri pheran, likely in an attempt to blend in with the local population and not arouse suspicion.
In a disturbing turn, the terrorists reportedly attempted to segregate people based on religion. Initially, they asked women to separate from men. When the group resisted, they were asked to distinguish themselves along religious lines — Hindus from Muslims. Once again, the people refused to comply, leading the assailants to demand that the tourists recite the Kalma (the Islamic declaration of faith). Moments later, they opened fire indiscriminately.
One of the first victims was identified as Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who had entered the park through the main gate. He was shot early in the assault. The most intense bloodshed occurred near the food stalls — especially the tea and bhelpuri stalls — where a large group had congregated. Following the carnage, the terrorists fled by scaling a wall on the left perimeter of the park, disappearing into the forest.
In the aftermath, a six-member team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), including two members from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), reached Baisaran to reconstruct the attack and map the terrorist movement. They are actively videographing the forested regions and suspected escape routes to piece together the attackers’ plan and timeline.
Around 45 locals — including shopkeepers and pony ride operators — are being interrogated as part of the broader probe. Muzammil, the zipline operator who was captured in a tourist's video chanting "Allahu Akbar" amid the firing, continues to be questioned. Though early findings suggest his response was an involuntary reaction to the terror, investigators are still scrutinizing every aspect of the footage and his actions during the incident.
Officials also disclosed that the terrorists were likely in contact with handlers in Pakistan using encrypted communication channels — specifically through paid mobile applications designed to avoid detection. This revelation has heightened the urgency for cybersecurity and intelligence agencies to decode potential digital trails.
In response, security forces have ramped up their operations across south Kashmir, intensifying search and cordon activities in suspected militant hideouts. Drones, sniffer dogs, and high-tech surveillance are being used to track down any remnants of the terrorist group or collaborators who may have assisted in executing the attack.
The brutality of the assault and the deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians, including women and children, has sent shockwaves across the country, sparking renewed calls for stronger counterterrorism measures, improved tourist safety protocols, and increased vigilance against radical infiltration.
