In the aftermath of the brutal terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Indian intelligence sources have flagged a potential connection between the assault and recent inflammatory statements made by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir. The strike, which tragically coincided with U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India, is being linked to the Pakistan-backed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), through its proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF), which has claimed responsibility.
According to intelligence assessments, the attack may have been triggered by Munir’s recent dog-whistle remarks, in which he referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s "jugular vein" and made controversial statements regarding religious tensions in India. These comments, officials believe, may have emboldened TRF to carry out what is being described as a "spectacular strike" designed for maximum psychological impact.
LeT commander Saifullah Kasuri, also known as Khalid, is suspected to be one of the masterminds behind the attack. Further scrutiny is being placed on two Lashkar operatives based in Rawalkot, including one Abu Musa, who recently led a rally promoting violent jihad in Kashmir. At the April 18 event, Musa reportedly declared that “beheadings will continue” and accused India of altering the region’s demography through domicile policies.
Indian intelligence agencies believe a group of approximately six terrorists, with assistance from local collaborators, executed the attack following a detailed reconnaissance mission. Inputs from early April suggested surveillance activity around hotels in Pahalgam, leading officials to conclude there was no intelligence failure, but rather a stealthy and coordinated operational buildup.
Disturbingly, reports suggest that during the attack, victims were asked to recite the Islamic declaration of faith — those who could not comply were shot dead. This, officials believe, points to a clear anti-Hindu targeting strategy, echoing recent rhetoric from Pakistan-based groups and coinciding with unrest over changes to India’s Waqf Act.
The attack comes at a politically sensitive time, as Vice President Vance is visiting India to bolster bilateral ties. His presence may have been a factor in the attackers' timing, aimed at attracting international attention and projecting defiance.
Authorities are now intensifying efforts to identify and neutralize the operatives involved, with special focus on cross-border terror infrastructure and local support networks. Meanwhile, India has reiterated its resolve to counter terror threats emanating from across the border, urging international partners to recognize and act against state-backed extremism.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)