The investigation into the brutal Pahalgam terror assault on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, has uncovered alarming new revelations. Reports confirm that the assailants trekked through the rugged Kokernag forests for 20 to 22 hours before executing their deadly plan in Baisaran Valley. Four attackers were involved: three from Pakistan and one local, identified as Adil Thokar. Thokar, radicalized in 2018 and initially a member of Hizbul Mujahideen, later trained in Pakistan with Lashkar-e-Taiba before returning to Kashmir in 2024. He helped the Pakistani terrorists navigate the treacherous terrain of the valley.

The terrorists seized two mobile phones during the attack—one belonging to a local resident and the other to a tourist. They used AK-47 and M4 rifles, and eyewitnesses reported that the assault began with two terrorists shooting four victims at close range. Meanwhile, the other two assailants fired from a zipline area, intensifying the chaos.

In a breakthrough, a local photographer, perched atop a tree, recorded pivotal footage of the event, offering critical insight into the sequence of the attack. This footage is now a key piece of evidence.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has now taken control of the case, with specialized teams scouring Baisaran Valley for clues. Witnesses are being interviewed, and the NIA is meticulously piecing together the details of this devastating attack.