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Last Updated:April 29, 2025, 10:02 IST

Despite far-reaching efforts, the terrorists, estimated to be five in number, are still on the run, courtesy the unforgiving terrain of the region.

Twenty-six people were killed in the Pahalgam attack. (AP)

A week since the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead, security forces, intelligence agencies, and investigation teams are carrying out relentless operations in Kashmir. Despite far-reaching efforts, the terrorists, estimated to be five in number, are still on the run, courtesy the unforgiving terrain of the region.

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The Kashmir Valley, dominated by the Himalayas, poses daunting challenges: steep, rugged mountains, winding narrow roads, and dense forests. The target area itself is deep inside forest cover, offering terrorists plenty of hiding places and escape routes. Valleys and gorges further impede troop movement, giving strategic leverage to terrorists who know the terrain.

However, Indian Army, CAPFs, and Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified searches across all suspected hideouts. As soon as the attack occurred, coordinated cordon and search operations were launched around Pahalgam, with helicopters being deployed to trace terrorists who were believed to have moved in the direction of the Pir Panjal range.

On April 24, while fighting in the  Basantgarh region of Udhampur, one Indian soldier was martyred and two others were injured, making this the reality on the ground.

In the meantime, large-scale detentions are being carried out. Security forces have arrested various individuals who are believed to have assisted the attackers. During the crackdown, 10 residences belonging to the terrorists were demolished.

The local government has decided to shut more than 40 tourists sites to redo security audit of these sites in J&K.

NIA Takes Over Probe

While forces are busy in operations, In a significant turn of events, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the investigation from Jammu and Kashmir Police, as instructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. NIA officials, based at the attack location since Wednesday, have geared up the evidence collection process.

“The teams, led by senior officers including an IG, DIG, and SP, are going through eyewitness statements with great care to recreate the timeline of events,” the NIA said. They are also analysing entry and exit routes and sweeping the entire Baisaran valley with forensic and technical experts to lay bare the complete conspiracy behind the attack.

Pakistan Violates Ceasefire

At the same time, there were tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). On the nights April 26–27 and April 27–28, Pakistan Army posts began unprovoked small arms fire across sectors opposite Tutmari Gali, Rampur, Kupwara, and Poonch. Indian forces reacted quickly and forcefully.

The atmosphere is charged, but security forces remain steadfast in their resolve to ensure that the terrorists face justice.

News india A Week After Pahalgam Attack, Hunt For Terrorists Intensifies; Terrain, Tensions Along LoC Pose Challenges

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