AK-47 in Hand, Face in Shadows: Chilling Image of Pahalgam Attacker Fuels Hunt in Kashmir Valley

Pahalgam (The Uttam Hindu): A day after the heart-wrenching terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, an image of one of the attackers has surfaced. The photo, believed to be from the attack site, shows the terrorist wearing a Pathani suit and holding an AK-47. However, the assailant's face is not clearly visible in the image.

AK-47 in Hand, Dressed in Pathani Suit: Image of Pahalgam Terrorist Surfaces, Massive Search Operation Underway** Since the incident, security forces have cordoned off the entire area. A joint operation is being conducted by the Army, CRPF, Special Operations Group (SOG), and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Drones and helicopters are being used in the manhunt. Additional troops have been deployed on the Mughal Road to prevent further movement.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) reached Srinagar immediately after the attack and has officially taken over the investigation. A forensic team is also present at the crime scene, collecting crucial evidence. As soon as the security operation cleared the site, NIA teams began ground-level investigations. At least 26 people were killed and more than 17 injured in the deadly ambush, in which the attackers targeted tourists in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, firing at them indiscriminately.

In light of the gravity of the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India early this morning. At Delhi Airport, he was briefed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and the Foreign Secretary about the situation. Reports say the Prime Minister had already assessed the situation from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. AK-47 in Hand, Face in Shadows: Chilling Image of Pahalgam Attacker Fuels Hunt in Kashmir Valley

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Pahalgam today. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to Shah over the phone, discussed the incident, and requested a detailed briefing.

A high alert has been declared across the Kashmir Valley. Intelligence agencies suspect that other terrorists involved in the attack may still be hiding in the area. The search operation has been intensified, and the next 24 hours are being considered extremely sensitive for the region.