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Pahalgam horror: Inside story of how India hunted terrorists and what security forces need to work on
The timeline centers on the Pahalgam massacre carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives in April 2025, their infiltration through Kashmir in 2022–2023, and their eventual neutralisation in July 2025. It also outlines perceived failures in intelligence, policing, and rapid response, and discusses broader security and geopolitical implications.
Why It Matters
The event highlights ongoing cross-border terrorism risks in Kashmir and the need for stronger, more coordinated security and intelligence efforts, with wider implications for India-Pakistan relations and regional security dynamics.
Timeline
4 Events
Neutralisation of attackers
July 28, 2025
The three attackers—Faizal Jatt, Hamza Afghani and Jibran—were neutralised in Harwan forest near Dachigam National Park after more than three months on the run.
Pahalgam attack
April 22, 2025
On April 22, 2025, 26 Hindu tourists were singled out and gunned down in the Baisaran valley near Pahalgam by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists; attackers identified Hindu men and shot them in front of their families.
Operatives operate under The Resistance Front
2023
The three attackers are described as operating under the façade of 'The Resistance Front' during their time in Kashmir.
Infiltration of Lashkar operatives begins via Gurez–Tulai sector
2022
Three Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives began infiltrating into Kashmir through the Gurez–Tulai sector, a phase described as occurring between 2022 and 2023 in the article.