New Delhi: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Srinagar on Friday to conduct a comprehensive security review in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian Army is intensifying its operations to track down the seven Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists believed to have been behind the attack, which left 26 people dead. According to security sources, the terrorist group consisted of at least four Pakistani nationals and three local militants.
General Dwivedi’s first stop was the headquarters of the Victor Force in Awantipora, a key Army division responsible for operations in South Kashmir. During his visit, he met with operational commanders to assess the current situation and review the ongoing search operations. Sources indicate that four of the terrorists involved in the attack were responsible for the killings, while the remaining three were positioned in the higher reaches as lookouts.
Operation to Track Down Terrorists
To locate and neutralize the remaining members of the terror group, two Brigade-level formations of the Rashtriya Rifles, along with specialized forces from the Indian Army, have been deployed. The search is focused on areas where the terrorists are believed to have taken refuge. Meanwhile, the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) escalated when Pakistan Army fired small arms in some sectors. The Indian Army responded effectively, with no casualties reported so far.
General Dwivedi is also scheduled to visit the Chinar Corps headquarters in Srinagar, where he will meet with Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. Suchendra Kumar and 15 Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Prashant Srivastava for a broader security review. This meeting is expected to focus on operational strategies and adjustments to enhance security in the region.
Security Review and Lapses in Protocol
In a recent All-Party meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah acknowledged certain lapses in the security apparatus, particularly regarding the handling of tourist routes. Home Minister Shah revealed that local tour operators had prematurely opened routes to the Baisaran meadows, a route typically used by pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra in June. The lack of coordination with the administration led to insufficient security deployment for the tourists who began visiting the area in April. This oversight is now under scrutiny, as sources question how the Jammu and Kashmir Police could have been unaware of the influx of tourists, especially considering the known security risks in the region.
Identification of Terrorists Involved in Pahalgam Attack
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have released details of three of the four terrorists involved in the Pahalgam massacre. One of the attackers has been identified as Adil Hussain Thoker, a resident of Anantnag. The other two suspects are Pakistani nationals: Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai and Hashim Musa alias Suleman, both affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba group.
The investigation into the attack continues as authorities work to apprehend the remaining members of the terrorist cell. The Pahalgam attack has sparked heightened security measures in the region, with increased military operations and scrutiny over local security protocols.
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